Food Service Worker/Cook Norfolk Regional Center

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; Norfolk (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

156% state retirement match

13 paid holidays annually

Generous vacation and sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employer-paid health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Norfolk Regional Center, is seeking a reliable Food Service Worker/Cook to operate the cafeteria during assigned shifts. You will serve meals, ensure food safety, maintain a clean dining area, and deliver friendly customer service to patients and staff.

Applicants should have experience in food preparation, sanitation, and institutional kitchen operations.

Qualifications

• Coursework, training and/or experience in food preparation, baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.
• Experience in an institutional cafeteria environment (hospital, long-term care, or similar) is preferred.
• Experience with food safety, sanitation practices, special diets, and maintaining efficient cafeteria operations.

Responsibilities

• Dish up, and serve meals, including special diet requirements.
• Independently manage daily cafeteria operations during assigned shifts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary area.
• Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow food safety, sanitation and infection control procedures.
• Work collaboratively as part of a healthcare food service team.

Skills

Food service

Sanitation knowledge

Customer service

Organization

Dependability

Job description

Job Posting

JR2026-00030254 Food Service Worker/Cook Norfolk Regional Center (Open)

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location

Norfolk, NE

Hiring Rate

$18.478

Applications No Longer Accepted On

(If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed)

Job Description

Are you an experienced kitchen professional who enjoys working independently and takes pride in preparing quality meals?

Norfolk Regional Center is looking for a dependable Food Service Worker/Cook to help keep our cafeteria running smoothly. You'll be responsible for serving meals, maintaining a clean and organized cafeteria, following food safety and sanitation standards, and ensuring patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals. You'll also provide friendly, professional customer service and help create a positive dining experience with a smile!

We're looking for someone with food safety standards and customer relations in a restaurant, healthcare, school, correctional, cafeteria, or other commercial kitchen.

Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.

The ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple tasks.

A strong work ethic and dependability.

Confidence working independently while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Wage: $18.478/hour + $3.00/hour Facility Differential + Shift Differential for eligible evening hours.

Hours: Alternating Weeks

5:30am – 2:00pm - 10 hour shifts

5:30am – 4:00pm - 10 hour shifts

Schedule details will be discussed in interview

Benefits Include

• 156% state retirement match
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• 79% employer-paid health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth

What You’ll Do

• Dish up, and serve meals, including special diet requirements.
• Independently manage daily cafeteria operations during assigned shifts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary area.
• Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow food safety, sanitation and infection control procedures.
• Work as part of a supportive team while confidently handling responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Coursework, training and/or experience in food preparation, baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an institutional cafeteria environment, such as a hospital, behavioral health facility, long-term care facility, school, correctional facility, or other large-scale food service operation.
• Experience with food safety, sanitation practices, special diets, and maintaining efficient cafeteria operations.

Other

Must be 19 years of age and be able to stand on feet for 4 hours and lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Commercial and institutional cafeteria operations, including food preparation, cooking, and meal production.
• Food safety, sanitation standards, and safe food handling practices.
• Proper storage, organization, and handling of food supplies.

Ability To

• Follow recipes, menus, production schedules, and special diet requirements under doctor orders.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment.
• Operate equipment safely, including sharp, hot, and heavy equipment.
• Prioritize tasks and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Work collaboratively as part of a healthcare food service team.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.