Food Service Cook

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate:

$18.071

Job Posting:

JR2026-00026769 FOOD SERVICE COOK (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-30-2026

Job Description:

At the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, we're not just about words – we're about action! Our team are the driving force behind the transformation, inspiring youth to believe in themselves and the endless possibilities that await them. Together, let's empower youth to embrace their strengths and chart a course to success.

Why This Work Matters

You'll work alongside youth with complex behaviors on their journey toward healing, growth, and stability. Through structure, mentorship, and compassion, you’ll help youth develop the skills and mindset needed to become successful, law-abiding citizens.
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Our Mission:

“Help youth live better lives through effective services, giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens.”
If you're passionate about positively influencing future generations, this is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.
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What We Offer

We support the people who support our youth. Enjoy outstanding benefits, job security, and a team that feels like family.
• 156% state-matched retirement — one of the best in the nation
• 13 paid holidays + generous leave starting immediately
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fun, mission-driven, and supportive team environment
• Job stability in public service
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Who We are

The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney (YRTC-K) is accredited by the American Correctional Association, owned and operated by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State of Nebraska. YRTC-K serves male youth between the ages of 14 and just before the age of

 

As a Food Service Worker, you will:

• Prepare, season, cook, and bake a variety of food items according to menus, recipes, dietary requirements, and portion guidelines

• Ensure meals are prepared and served in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards

• Train and assist food service staff in food preparation, serving procedures, dishwashing, cleaning, and routine equipment maintenance

• Clean, maintain, and operate kitchen equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas

• Maintain kitchen and dining room records and documentation

• Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, storing, and distributing food and supplies

• Monitor food quality, portion control, and meal service operations

• Assist with menu planning and meal preparation scheduling

• Support daily kitchen operations and ensure compliance with facility policies and procedures

• May assist with scheduling work assignments and coordinating daily activities of food service staff

• Participate in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen and dining environment

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 in institutional, school, healthcare, correctional, or large-scale food service operations

• Experience training or leading other staff

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations

• Experience with inventory management and ordering procedures

Other: Some positions may require applicants to be of a specific minimum age to comply with State and/or facility accreditation regulations

Schedule

11:30am-7:30pm w/ 1-2 morning shift during the week as well

Compensation

Pay starts at $18.07/hr

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Food preparation and cooking techniques

• Baking methods and recipe preparation

• Food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety practices

• Special diets and nutritional requirements

• Kitchen equipment, utensils, and food service operations

• Inventory control and food storage procedures

• Facility policies, procedures, and emergency protocols

Ability to:

• Prepare a wide variety of meals and baked goods

• Follow recipes, menus, and dietary requirements accurately

• Train and guide food service staff in kitchen operations

• Safely operate kitchen equipment and tools

• Maintain accurate records and inventory documentation

• Work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment

• Follow written and verbal instructions

• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and customers

• Lift, carry, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods

• Work in environments with varying temperatures and humidity levels

The Department of Health and Human Services uses behavioral based questions when conducting interviews. Please review the attached document to learn more about the STAR Method, and how you can best prepare if you are selected for an interview! 

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Children and Family Services, please visit our website, http://dhhs.ne.gov/careers

 

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

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.