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Prep Cook - Dining Services III - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (South Denver)

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Prep Cook - Dining Services III - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (South Denver)

Salary

$21.13 Hourly

Location

Denver Metro, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIC 00315 11/4/2025

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIFL

Opening Date

11/05/2025

Closing Date

11/12/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Hiring Pay Rate

$21.13/hour

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado Mental Health Institute in Fort Logan 3520 W. Oxford Ave. Denver, CO 80236

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)

About Fort Logan:

The Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan (CMHIFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental illness within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHIFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-59. The hospital currently has 138 adult inpatient beds and over six treatment milieus serving civil and forensic individuals. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.

Through our core values listed below, CMHIFL staff is committed to:

+ Individual dignity and respect

+ Person-centered, evidence-based care

+ Trauma-informed recovery

+ Multidisciplinary collaboration

+ Diversity and inclusion

+ Strong family and community partnerships

Opt-in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

Description of Job

This position works 10 hour variable shift work to include early shift (5:30am-4:00pm) and late shift (8:00am-6:30pm) as well as holidays and weekends. This position is also eligible for shift differential on the weekends.

About this Work Unit:

The Nutrition Services Department provides quality meals and medical nutrition therapy to patients in a mental health facility. Meals meet the nutritional, medical, spiritual, cultural, and mental health needs of the patient population and are prepared in a manner that meets established standards.

Purpose of this position:

This position performs work in food handling, serving, production, cleaning, safety, and sanitation. This includes preparing, seasoning, and cooking regular and modified meals using standardized recipes and a variety of commercial food service equipment. This position also cleans and sanitizes dishes, pots/pans, equipment, production areas, dining room, and other department areas. All work performed by this position adheres to federal, state, and local regulations, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) policies and procedures, and proper safety and sanitation guidelines.

Primary Job Duties:

Tray Line, Meal Service, and Food Cart Distribution:

This position portions hot and cold food items onto trays, monitors temperatures, loads regular and modified meals into food carts for distribution, delivers food carts to teams, and serves meals to patients in the dining room.

+ Determines what and how much to serve each patient based on their meal ticket.

+ Determines what to do if temperatures are not within an acceptable range and reports to the supervisor.

+ Identifies appropriate time frames around meal preparation/service to meet deadlines.

Safety and Sanitation:

This position cleans and sanitizes the production area, dining room, diet office, bathroom, kitchen equipment, and utensils. This position also follows policies and procedures regarding knife handling, key monitoring, employee safety, etc.

+ Determines if the temperatures for dish machine and food carts are within appropriate range and records on temperate logs.

+ Determines if chemical sanitizer solution (bleach) is within the appropriate concentration level for sanitation and records on the sanitation log.

+ Identifies deficiencies in cleaning based on cleaning logs (daily, weekly, and quarterly) and discusses these with the supervisor on shift to ensure cleaning is completed on time.

Production Cooking:

This position is involved in preparing, portioning, seasoning, and cooking all menu food items utilizing a variety of cooking methods following standardized recipes, menus, tallies, etc.

+ Determines the amount/portion of the product to prepare based on census, tallies, menu, diet, serving size, and weight/volume.

+ When there is a product shortage or spoiled product, this position determines which substitution to use, reports changes to the supervisor, and documents changes on the menu change report.

+ Develops and maintains ongoing communication with kitchen co-workers to ensure correct menu items are being used and recipes are being followed.

Training:

This position maintains active computer access to complete Cornerstone training and check/review email. This position attends annual training fair and completes mandatory hospital and departmental training.

+ Identifies appropriate timeframe to complete all mandatory training prior to the deadline.

+ Determines when it’s not appropriate to attend scheduled training (due to a scheduling conflict or staff shortage) and communicates this with the supervisor and Food Service Manager II and reschedules training to be completed another day before expiration.

+ Identifies when computer access has been locked (due to lack of activity) and works with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to obtain access.

Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented in the work experience section of your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Two (2) years of relevant experience including cooking and preparation of food, and/or in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Examples of relevant experience may include:

+ Banquet setting

+ Production kitchen

+ Catering

Substitutions:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Certification of ServSafe Class

+ Working in a Hospital or Living Centers

Conditions of Employment:

+ Full background check and reference check required

+ This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

+ Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

+ Disclose that information on the application.

+ Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

+ Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.

+ You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

+ You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) .

+ You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

+ By email ([email protected]), or

+ Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

+ Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

+ Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

+ At (303) 866-3300, or

Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

+ Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

+ Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans

+ Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

+ State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)

+ Employee Wellness program

+ Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

+ Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

+ *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .

Our Values

+ We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

+ Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

+ We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

+ Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

+ We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

+ Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected] .

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...) or your SSN if employee number is not available Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

02

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

03

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

+ This information is available to me and I have read this information.

+ I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

04

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have a ServSafe Certified/Food Handler License/Culinary License?

+ Yes

+ No

06

How many years of Prep Cook experience do you have? Please only select 1 entry

+ No experience

+ up to 1 year

+ 1-2 years

+ 2-4 years

07

How many years of Healthcare/ Senior Living Work experience do you have? Only select 1 entry

+ No Experience

+ Up to 1 year

+ 1-2 years experience

+ 2-4 years experience

08

How many years of Commercial Dish Washing experience do you have? Only select 1 entry

+ No experience

+ Up to 1 year experience

+ 1-2 years experience

+ 2-4 years experience

09

How many years of experience do you have working with food service equipment (ovens, dishwashers, mixers, steam tables, slicers, etc. Only select 1 entry

+ No experience

+ Up to 1 year experience

+ 1-2 years of experience

+ 2-4 years of experience

10

Please rate your time management skills. Only select 1 entry

+ Poor-I often struggle to meet deadlines and manage my time effectively

+ Fair- I sometimes meet deadlines, but time management can be inconsistent

+ Average-I usually manage my time adequately, but there's room for improvement

+ Good-I manage my time well and consistently meet deadlines

+ Excellent-I am highly organized and consistently use my time efficiently and effectively

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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