Cook – Mendota Mental Health Institute

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Cook. This position will work four, 10-hour rotating shifts each week; 5:00am - 3:30pm, 6:00am - 4:30pm, 6:30am - 5:00pm and 7:00am - 5:30pm. The position will be required to work every other weekend.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, and is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

As a Cook at MMHI, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing large quantities of food for individuals with regular and modified diets. Food portions may be prepared hot or cold for distribution to various units at MMHI.
• Preparing food item requests for patients, including snacks, foods for medication, nourishments, and activity therapy.
• Ensuring proper sanitation and safety practices are followed at all times.

The starting salary is $20.55 per hour, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former employees is based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Cook 2 and is in pay schedule and range 03/11.

All applicants will be required to allow the DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs. to shoulder height, bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling, stooping, standing, sitting and working on feet for extended periods of time. Applicants may be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Minimally qualified applicants will have the following:

• Ability to work scheduled hours as needed, which may include weekends, holidays, early mornings or early evenings, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and accept work assignment changes as needed.
• Knowledge of basic sanitation, hand washing and safety standards in a food service environment.
• An ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing.

For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

Applying is easy Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Information:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Shea O'Malley in Human Resources at

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's affairs, click here.

The deadline to apply is October 23, 2025, by 11:59 pm.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.