Food Service Worker

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint Peter (MN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment in Saint Peter is seeking a Nutrition Services staff member to serve meals and nourish patients within the Forensics unit. This full-time role supports the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center, following state standards to ensure safe, nutritious meals.

You will assemble meals per diets, maintain cleanliness, and assist with snacks while adhering to Minnesota Food Code and team guidelines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food values, nutrition, and food safety.
• Ability to read, write, speak English; perform basic math.
• Ability to work in a team in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Experience with large-scale food service equipment helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assemble meals with correct diets; portioning and appealing presentation.
• Clean and sanitize dishes and utensils; air dry and store properly.
• Prepare continental breakfast, snacks, and nourishments.
• Maintain sanitation to meet Minnesota Food Code.
• Perform other dietary tasks as assigned.

Skills

Food safety

Large-scale equipment

Food preparation

English literacy

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/04/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift (10:30am-7:00pm)
• Days of Work: Thursday-Monday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $25.88 / hourly; $43,576 - $54,037 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 98209
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/04/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
• Division/Unit: St Peter / Nutrition Services A
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift (10:30am-7:00pm)
• Days of Work: Thursday-Monday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $25.88 / hourly; $43,576 - $54,037 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Forensics Nutrition Services
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans.

The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our Forensics Nutrition Services team!

The Forensics Services campus in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program and the Forensic Nursing Home. Forensics Services provides mental health evaluation and treatment services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who present a risk to public safety. This is a safe and secure treatment environment.

This position exists to serve meals, nourishment and snacks to the patients of the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center and perform the necessary food service duties so that regulatory standards are maintained.

Specific Job Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Assemble meals so that each patient receives the correct diet; food is portioned accurately, and meals looks appealing
• Cleans and sanitizes all dishes, eating utensils, servicing utensils, pots and pans following protocols. Once dishes are sanitized and allowed to air dry, then will be placed in proper storage area
• Assemble continental breakfast, snacks and nourishments
• Maintains cleaning and sanitation to meet Minnesota Food Code Regulations
• Performs other food service-related tasks as assigned by supervisor so that all dietary responsibilities are accomplished as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing food and the use of cooking utensils and large scale food service equipment. Some knowledge of food values, nutrition and food safety/infection control
• Ability to read, write, speak English and perform basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to communicate with others in a teamwork environment
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours and work in a fast paced kitchen

Preferred Qualifications

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures
• Basic understanding of human behavior and exhibit positive human relation skills
• Ability to read menus and special diet instructions so that all needed items are available as dictated by the menu
• Be familiar with proper serving utensils
• Knowledge of health and sanitation regulations and proper cleaning methods is desired

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Macy Ollrich at [e-mail] or 651-431-6697.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Macy Ollrich at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s Office of Equal Opportunity at [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to: [e-mail]

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Annual pay increases
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.