Cook - Temporary

Iowa; Cherokee (IA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a mental health institute as a Cook 1, where your culinary skills will contribute to the well-being of patients and staff. This temporary position offers a chance to prepare meals in a supportive environment, emphasizing food safety and quality. With opportunities for growth and advancement, you will play a vital role in the daily operations of the Cherokee Mental Health Institute. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Cherokee, Iowa, where outdoor activities abound, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those you serve.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and service methods.
• Knowledge of food sanitation principles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals for patients and staff at CMHI.
• Clean kitchen equipment and dining areas.
• Stock pantry and storeroom weekly.

Skills

Food Preparation

Food Sanitation

Cooking Techniques

Meal Planning

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Vocational or community college program in commercial cooking

Tools

Stoves

Mechanical Mixers

Kettles

Steam Cookers

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a Cook 1 to join the team at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This is a temporary position limited to 780 hours per fiscal year with opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

Knowledge of the methods and practices of food preparation and service, including the principles of food sanitation. Responsibilities include:

• Prepares meals for the Cherokee campus, consisting of preparing and cooking meats, vegetables, special dishes and baking desserts.
• Preps meals for staff to cook for 240 patients and staff. Preps and prepares meals for the staff Café.
• Cleans kitchen equipment such as stoves, worktables, mechanical mixers, kettles, steam cookers, etc.
• Cleans dining room and kitchen areas.
• Stocks pantry and storeroom weekly when deliveries are received.
• Assists staff in routine security matters related to the food service operation.

If you enjoy helping adults and families connect with mental health and disabilities services, this is a great opportunity to consider.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Cherokee Highlights

CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

This is a temporary non-merit position with Health & Human Services- State Operated Specialty Care- Cherokee Mental Health Institute.

Experience equal to one year of full-time quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting; OR successful completion of a military, vocational, or community college program in commercial cooking; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to six months of full-time work as a Food Service Worker.