COOK

State of Arkansas; Arkadelphia (AR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Cook for a state facility. Responsibilities include preparing meals per recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring safe food handling.

The position offers entry-level responsibilities with opportunities to develop skills in a regulated kitchen environment. Qualifications include prior cooking experience and the requirement to obtain a ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
• Good communication with kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Interact with visitors and assist with special needs.

Skills

Basic cooking knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Position Number: 22101237

County: Clark

Posting End Date: November 9, 2026

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

• Job Series: Food Service – Career-path
• Classification: Cook
• Class Code: TFS01P
• Pay Grade: SGS01
• Salary Range: $33,280 - $49,254

The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
• Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
• Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
• Ability to interact with visitors, handle or relay complaints to managers, and assist visitors with special needs.
• Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies.
• Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
• Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.

Knowledge And Skills

• Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous kitchen or cooking experience.

Licensure/Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.