Cook

Working Title: CookJob Class: CookAgency: Direct Care and TreatmentJob ID: 94349Location: St. PeterTelework Eligible: NoFull/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted: 05/19/2026Closing Date: 06/02/2026Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCMEDivision/Unit: St Peter / Forensics Nutrition Services Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.Days of Work: Mon/Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun (Days Off: Wed/Thurs) Travel Required: NoSalary Range: $21.41 - $29.22 / hourly; $44,704 - $61,011 / annuallyClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCMEWork Area: Forensics Nutrition ServicesFLSA Status: NonexemptDesignated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: YesDirect 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.Candidates may be eligible for a hiring bonus up to $2,500.The Minnesota Direct care and Treatment (DCT) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our Nutrition Services Team!The Forensic Services campus in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program and the Forensic Nursing Home. Forensic 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.The Cook is responsible for proper food preparation in order to provide quality meals while following specific diets as necessary. Some of the job duties entail:Preparing food for regular and therapeutic diets.Responsible for food and supplies that are delivered to the kitchen and to maintain freshness and quality of products.Attend educational programs and Nutrition Services department meetings in order to keep current with departmental goals and objectives.Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area per Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program and State, Federal, and Forensics Services regulations and guidelines.Perform other food service-related tasks as assigned by supervisor so that all dietary responsibilities are accomplished and as appropriate.Minimum QualificationsKnowledge of large-scale cooking methods and equipment sufficient to prepare and serve food for a large number of people and adjust recipes to accommodate different numbers of people. Knowledge of food values and nutrition sufficient to prepare items from standards recipes. (Some facilities required the ability to prepare special medical diets).Knowledge of health and safety principles involved in food preparation operations sufficient to prepare and serve safe and healthy meals. Ability to follow oral instructions and read and comprehend written instructions.Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds. Preferred QualificationsExperience within Forensic Services nutrition team. 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.Additional RequirementsTo 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 - Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.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 testingHow To ApplySelect “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.ContactIf you have questions about this position, contact Julie Yang at julie.yang@state.mn.us.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 Julie Yang at julie.yang@state.mn.us.If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact Direct Care & Treatment’s ADA Coordinator at Accommodations.DCT@state.mn.us or call 651-539-7243About Direct Care And TreatmentDCT 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 workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities for personal and professional growthBenefitsAs 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 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plansFertility care, including IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-beingSupport to help you reach your career goals:Training, classes, and professional developmentFederal 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 performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder carePrograms, 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 EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 DisabilitiesMinnesota 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.