Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $18.478 Job Posting: JR2026-00028864 Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 09-03-2026 Job Description: Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) is a 24-hour, state-operated psychiatric hospital that provides specialized inpatient treatment and recovery-focused services for adults experiencing serious mental health conditions. As a secure healthcare facility, LRC offers around-the-clock care, support, and supervision in a structured therapeutic environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to promote patient safety, recovery, skill development, and successful community reintegration. Take Pride in Running the Kitchen Are you an experienced kitchen professional who enjoys working independently and takes pride in preparing quality meals? Lincoln Regional Center is looking for a dependable Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook to help keep our kitchen running smoothly. This is more than a cooking position—you'll be responsible for preparing meals, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, following food safety standards, and ensuring patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals. If you're someone who can step into a kitchen, stay organized, and confidently manage food preparation from start to finish, we'd like to hear from you. Starting Pay: $18.478/hour + $3.00/hour Facility Differential + Shift Differential for eligible evening hours. Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Wednesday & Thursday off Why Join the State of Nebraska? • Competitive pay with additional facility and shift differentials. • Stable full-time State employment. • Retirement plan with a 156% match on the first 4.8% you contribute. • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. • Comprehensive health benefits. • 13 paid holidays. • Generous vacation and sick leave. • Meaningful work that supports the health and well-being of Nebraskans. What You'll Do Prepare, cook, and serve meals, including special diet requirements. Independently manage daily kitchen operations during assigned shifts. Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen. Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment. Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently. Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures. Work as part of a supportive team while confidently handling responsibilities with minimal supervision. We're Looking For Someone Who Has Experience preparing meals 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. 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 kitchen environment, such as a hospital, behavioral health facility, long-term care facility, school, correctional facility, or other large-scale food service operation. Experience independently preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen setting. Experience with food safety, sanitation practices, special diets, and maintaining efficient kitchen operations. Other: Must be 18 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 Knowledge of: Commercial and institutional kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and meal production. Food safety, sanitation standards, and safe food handling practices. Preparation methods for meats, vegetables, soups, salads, baked goods, and special diets. Operation, cleaning, and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment. Proper storage, organization, and handling of food supplies. Ability to: Independently prepare and cook meals while managing daily kitchen responsibilities. Follow recipes, menus, production schedules, and special diet requirements. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. Operate kitchen 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. 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: 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: 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.