COOK II (UMP)

Illinoiscomptroller; Jacksonville (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union position

Flexible work schedules (as available)

Job summary

Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking a Cook II to direct and participate in large-scale food preparation for the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. You will consult on menus, lead junior staff, and maintain kitchen sanitation and food storage conditions.

The role requires a high school diploma and two years of cooking experience, with certifications in food safety or CFPM preferred. In-office work schedule applies with potential for summer variations.

Qualifications

• Requires high school education and two years of cooking experience.
• Extensive knowledge of materials, methods and equipment for large-scale cooking.
• Certification in Food Service Sanitation or CFPM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs, instructs, and participates in the preparation of foods for a school program.
• Consults with the Dietary Manager on menus and special diets.
• Lead worker for lower-level staff and ensure sanitary kitchen conditions.
• Maintain temperatures and organization of food storage areas.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Lead worker

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Food Service Sanitation Certificate

CFPM Certification

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 59217 Opening Date:10/08/2026 Closing Date:10/22/2026 Agency:Department of Human Services Class Title:COOK II - 09602 Skill Option:UMP Certificate Bilingual Option:None Salary:Anticipated Salary: $4,282-$5,682/month ($51,384-$68,184/year) Job Type:Salaried Category:Full Time Number of Vacancies:1 Bargaining Unit Code:RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours:Mon-Fri, 10:30am-6:30pm, 1/2 hour unpaid lunch.

Position’s schedule follows the school calendar; summer work may be available but is not guaranteed. Employees may utilize accrued paid benefit time during the summer if available.

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 658 E State St, Jacksonville, Illinois, 62650

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired

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 Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire an energetic and organized Cook II to direct, instruct and participate in the preparation of foods for the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. This position consults with Dietary Manager on master menu plan, special diets, and best method of preparation for each menu’s individual food items. The Cook II serves as a designated lead worker to lower-level staff and directs, instructs, and participates in the cleaning of cooking equipment, work area, kitchen, storeroom, walk-in coolers, freezers and other equipment. This position maintains the temperatures and organization of the food storage areas and operates standard cooking equipment.

Essential Functions

• Directs, instructs, and participates in the preparation of foods for the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.
• Consults with Dietary Manager on master menu plan, special diets, and best method of preparation for each menu’s individual food items.
• Directs, instructs, and participates in the cleaning of cooking equipment, work area, kitchen, storeroom, walk-in coolers, freezers, and other equipment to maintain safe, sanitary, and healthy conditions in the kitchen and work areas.
• Maintains the temperatures and organization of the food storage areas in day storeroom, walk-in coolers, freezers, and kitchen.
• Serves as designated lead worker to lower-level staff.
• 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 possession of a valid Food Service Sanitation Certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health or requires possession of a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification from a program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Conference for Food Protection (CFP).
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires ability to lift and/or carry heavy items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must meet Illinois School for the Visually Impaired health and safety requirements.

Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.

Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

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

• 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)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard 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

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 Titles .To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must 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.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).