Ivh-Q Cook I (Full-Time) (Ump)
About The Position
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a Cook I for the Quincy Veterans’ Home. Under general supervision, this position prepares and cooks meals on a large scale for residents and staff, including meals for regular and therapeutic diets. The Cook I supports residents’ health and daily care by following dietary standards, sanitation requirements, and facility procedures. The position is full-time, in-office, and offers work hours of either 4:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Overtime may be required. This is a union position subject to the relevant collective bargaining agreement. The role is part of the Upward Mobility Program. The employee must maintain the required food safety certification in active, valid status throughout employment and provide updated documentation after each renewal.
Requirements
- High school completion or equivalent knowledge, skill, and mental development.
- Six months of cooking experience providing working knowledge of large-scale food preparation and cooking methods.
- Possession of a valid Illinois Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Certificate or a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification from an ANSI-accredited Conference for Food Protection program; maintain the applicable certification in active, valid status and provide updated renewal documentation.
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and pre-employment physical.
- Ability to meet agency vaccine and health-related policies and guidance.
- Ability to acquire and maintain a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
- Ability to stand, stoop, twist, and bend for the duration of the shift, except during official breaks and lunch.
- Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings relevant to the job.
- Ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate.
- Ability to perform heavy work, including lifting up to 100 pounds at a time and frequently lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook food on a quantity-scale basis for residents and staff.
- Operate standard cooking equipment, including mixing machines, steam cookers, toasters, food choppers, bake ovens, and steam kettles.
- Assist with kitchen inspections to verify necessary supplies and food are available.
- Serve resident meals in dining rooms according to the menu and dietary requirements, and as selected by residents or guests; maintain portion control, good plate presentation, and sanitation practices.
- Assist with receiving, handling, and storing food items.
- Check kitchen and storage areas to ensure supplies and cleaning gear are ordered and available to meet work-shift requirements.
- Complete mandatory Department of Veterans Affairs training and safety programs, and participate in educational workshops to maintain professional competency.
- Oversee supplies and equipment when higher authority is absent.
- Perform other duties reasonably related to the listed responsibilities.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- 12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave
- Pension plan
- Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs
- 12 paid sick days annually
- 10–25 paid vacation days based on years of service
- Three paid personal days, prorated based on start date
- 13–14 paid state holidays annually
- Flexible work schedules in many program areas, where applicable
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
