Cook

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) seeks a Cook at Catawba Hospital to prepare and cook meals for patients and staff. You will follow infection control procedures, maintain food safety, and ensure timely distribution of meals according to schedules.

The role requires knowledge of sanitation and quantity food production, and the ability to work well in a team while adhering to menus and daily tally sheets.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow directions.
• Knowledge of quantity food production for regular and special diets.
• Knowledge of sanitation standards.
• Ability to work with others.
• Refer to Catawba Hospital Food Services Competency Assessment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food for patients and staff while maintaining safety and sanitation.
• Follow infection control procedures and proper hand washing.
• Operate kitchen equipment and sanitize after use.
• Distribute food to cafeteria and diet kitchen at scheduled times.
• Record temperatures, labeling, and dating food products per policy.
• Assist in other areas as directed and work as part of a team.

Skills

read directions

written communication

sanitation standards

teamwork

meal production knowledge

Job description

Title

Cook

State Role Title

Food Service Technician II

Hiring Range

$37,855 - $52,240

Pay Band

2

Agency

Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location

Catawba Hospital

Agency Website

https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/catawba/

Recruitment Type

General Public - G

Job Duties

This position is responsible for preparing and cooking food for patients and staff while maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and customer service. Duties include following infection control procedures such as proper hand washing, wearing hair nets and gloves, reading and following menus and daily tally sheets, and ensuring all ingredients and food products are available for production. The role requires utilizing departmental recipes and preparation instructions to produce quality, palatable meals that meet presentation standards, distributing food to the cafeteria and diet kitchen according to scheduled times, replenishing food supplies as needed, and accurately recording temperatures, labeling, and dating food products in compliance with policy. Additional responsibilities include removing outdated or unused items, sanitizing pots, pans, utensils, and equipment according to departmental procedures, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and following assigned cleaning schedules. The employee must properly operate kitchen equipment, report malfunctioning equipment to a supervisor immediately, and clean and sanitize equipment after each use. This position also requires flexibility to assist in various areas as directed, a strong willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team, and participation in all required in-services and continuing education programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow directions
• Knowledge of quantity food production for regular and special diets
• Knowledge of sanitation standards
• Ability to work with others
• Refer to Catawba Hospital Food Services Competency Assessment

Additional Considerations

Previous experience in a healthcare or large scale food service role is preferred.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code

• 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Contact Information

Name: Austin Grasty

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.