COOK II (UMP)

State of Illinois; Chester (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois is seeking a Cook II for the Chester Mental Health Center. This role involves directing and participating in food preparation, ensuring sanitary conditions, and leading lower-level staff. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in large-scale food preparation. The position offers a competitive salary and robust benefits, including a pension program and paid leave.

Benefits

Pension Program

Competitive Group Insurance Benefits

Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation Time

Flexible Work Schedules

12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Requires high school completion and two years of cooking experience.
• Ability to obtain a Food Service Sanitation Certificate within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Directs and participates in food preparation for the Chester Mental Health Center.
• Prepares reports on daily cooking operations.
• Cleans cooking equipment and maintains sanitary conditions.

Skills

Food Preparation

Leadership

Sanitation Practices

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

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This range is provided by State of Illinois. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Job Requisition ID: 47053

Opening Date: 05/29/2025

Closing Date: 05/29/2025

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: COOK II - 09602

Skill Option: UMP Certificate

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: (Eff 7/1/25) $4,137 - $5,726 per month ($49,644 - $68,712 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Randolph

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC009

Merit Comp Code

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Mental Health is seeking to hire a Cook II for the Chester Mental Health Center located in Chester, Illinois to direct, instruct, and participate in the preparation of foods for the Chester Mental Health Center. Serves as a designated lead worker to lower-level staff on an assigned shift. Utilizes a personal computer to generate general spreadsheets and review recipes. Prepares reports of daily cooking operations and the results of informal in-service training. Operates standard cooking equipment. Directs, instructs and participates in the cleaning of cooking equipment, work area and other equipment to maintain sanitary and safe working conditions.

Essential Functions

• Directs, instructs, and participates in the preparation of foods for the Chester Mental Health Center.
• Serves as designated lead worker.
• On an assigned shift, directs, instructs, and participates in the preparation of foods.
• Prepares reports of daily cooking operations and the results of informal in-service training.
• Operates standard cooking equipment, i.e., mixers, convection ovens, steamers, kettles, deep fryer, grill, slicer, etc.
• Directs, instructs and participates in the cleaning of cooking equipment, work area and other equipment to maintain sanitary and safe working conditions.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of high school and two (2) years of cooking experience, which provides extensive knowledge of materials, methods and equipment used in preparing food on a large-scale basis.
• Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements for this class.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to obtain a valid Food Service Sanitation Certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health or a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification from a program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Conference for Food Protection (CFP) within 30 days of employment.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
  
  

Work Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5:30am - 1:30pm; 30-minute paid lunch

Work Location: 1315 Lehmen Dr, Chester, Illinois, 62233-2542

Division of Mental Health

Chester Mental Health Center

Dietary

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

Posting Group: Building, Fleet & Institutional Support; Social Services

About The Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
  
  

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employee must apply internally and upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

The Main Form Of Communication Will Be Through Email. Please Check Your "junk Mail", "spam", Or "other" Folder For Communication(s) Regarding Any Submitted Application(s). You May Receive Emails From The Following Addresses

• [e-mail]
• [e-mail]

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