Cook

Working Title: Cook
Job Class: Cook
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment Department

• Job ID: 87397
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/13/2025
• Closing Date: 10/10/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT St Peter AFSCME
• Division/Unit: St Peter / Nutrition Services B
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $ $29.22 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Nutrition Services - St. Peter
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care and 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 Forensics Services campus in St. Peter is comprised of the Forensic Mental Health Program and the Forensic Nursing Home. Forensics 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.

This posting will be used to fill multiple identical open positions.
Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge 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 Qualifications

• Experience 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 Requirements
To 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 testing

How To Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Christina Genelin at or

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 Susan Mwangi at

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at or call assistance.

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if they: 1) meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; 2) provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability; and 3) meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation before the closing date to:

About Direct Care And Treatment
DCT 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 work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits
As 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
• Annual pay increases

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

• Fertility care, including IVF

• Diabetes care

• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

• Pension 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 death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal 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 )

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 performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, 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 EMPLOYERS
Minnesota 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 Disabilities
Minnesota 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 or email and let us know the support you need.