Dining Services III / Diet Kitchen - CMHHIP - Full Time Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5227720) Apply  Dining Services III / Diet Kitchen - CMHHIP - Full Time Salary $21.12 - $29.57 Hourly Location Pueblo, CO Job Type Full Time Job Number IIB 02219 02/06/2026 Department Colorado Department of Human Services Division OBH - CMHIP Opening Date 02/06/2026 Closing Date 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA Determined by Position Type of Announcement This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Primary Physical Work Address 1600 W. 24th Street Pueblo, CO 81003 FLSA Status Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation. Department Contact Information Magalie.Chapman@state.co.us Salary Note Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum. How To Apply Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed. + Description + Benefits + Questions Department Information This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Position Location: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo Unit: Varies Shift: Full-Time, In-Person, Friday-Tuesday from 6:00am-2:30pm. Wednesday and Thursday OFF Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) About us As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. About the Nutrition Services department: The Nutrition Services Department exists to provide quality food service and medical nutrition therapy to more than 1600 clients in a mental health care facility and the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). With over 100 employees, the department strives, within available resources, to provide adequate nutrition to clients based on medical, spiritual, ethnic, cultural, and mental health needs. Description of Job You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. The purpose of this position is to perform skilled food production duties in a commissary kitchen that prepares, assembles, and portions meals, baked goods, snacks, and beverages for all therapeutic, mechanically altered, and religious diets, which include but is not limited to Kosher and Halal diets, Vegetarian diets, Gluten Free diets, and Dysphagia diets (difficulty swallowing). This position also stores food in accordance with food safety guidelines and is responsible for cleaning equipment, production areas, and dishes while following proper safety and sanitation guidelines. Primary Duties: Preparation of Medical and Religious Diets: + Prepare food items and baked goods for therapeutic, mechanically altered, allergy-restricted, and religious diets following standardized recipes, religious guidelines, and food safety requirements. + Prepare snacks and sack meals for the Department of Corrections. + Assembles prepared items into Cambro carts for each designated satellite kitchen/facility. + Use commercial equipment (e.g., blenders, Robot Coupe, immersion blenders) to achieve required textures and consistencies. + Prevent cross-contact for allergen- and gluten-free diets. + Inspect food for correct texture, color, portion size, and appearance. + Label, count, and portion foods based on tallies. + Follow approved procedures for religious diet preparation, including separation of equipment and surfaces. Cleaning and Equipment Care: + Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the diet kitchen work areas, equipment, utensils, and dishes by completing daily and weekly cleaning duties. + Clean and sanitize production areas, carts, equipment, and utensils. + Operate dish machines and three-compartment sinks according to established procedures. + Prepare and verify sanitizer solutions using test strips. + Safely move carts and supplies within the kitchen and commissary areas. + Reports equipment malfunctions to the supervisor or designee and submit work order Sanitation, Safety, and Security Compliance: + Ensure food safety, sanitation, and security requirements are met in a secure production environment serving a mental health hospital and correctional facility. + Monitor and record food, refrigeration, and dish machine temperatures per HACCP standards. + Perform sharp and utensil counts in accordance with established hospital policies and departmental procedures. + Complete IOJ and/or incident reports documentation following established hospital policies. + Follows food safety guidelines in accordance with federal, state, and department standards Training, Computer Use, and Other duties as assigned: + Complete mandatory hospital, departmental, and food safety and diet training. + Maintain competency in medical and religious diet preparation requirements. + Provide coverage in other Nutrition Services areas when trained and assigned. + Maintains active computer access to complete Cornerstone, complete timecard, review emails, etc. + Other duties as assigned by supervisor or appointing authority. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Minimum Qualifications: Experience Only: + Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position **Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a pro-rated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. Preferred Qualifications: + Previous experience working in a commercial or institutional setting, utilizing raw ingredients, following prescribed large-scale recipes to create meals or baked goods from scratch. + Previous experience working as a cook in a high volume, batch production kitchen, following prescribed large-scale recipes, monitoring production schedules and maintaining inventory and supply orders. + Experience in Corrections or high-security kitchen. + Food Safety Certification + Excellent customer service skills + Basic computer skills Knowledge Of: + Food service operations and the preparation and production of food, especially related to medical and religious diets + Cleaning and sanitizing practices as they relate to food service operations + Safe food handling, and storage practices and regulations + Weights, measures, (e.g., food scales, measuring cups, and spoons), and food measurement techniques. + The techniques used in mixing food (e.g., gelatin, pancake batter, salad dressing, scrambled eggs, etc.). + Cooking methods (e.g., frying, deep-fat frying, boiling, steaming, and baking). + Food safety related to handling and storing cooked foods, serving and storing temperatures and reading food thermometers. Conditions of Employment: + A full background check and reference check is required. A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges. + Exposure to cleaning chemicals and commercial equipment. + May be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. + Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must: + Disclose that information on the application. + Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position. + Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS. CDHS Selection Process Explanation Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. + Preferred Qualifications & Competencies: + Relevant years of state service experience. Minimum Qualification Screening Process: A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached." You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated. Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review: After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test. Your Work Experience/Job Duties: Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. Supplemental Questions: Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing). Appeal Rights You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website. + You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review. + You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) . + You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board: + By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or + Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or + Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or + Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action. Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance: + At (303) 866-3300, or + Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage. Supplemental Information + How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available) + The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process) + For additional recruiting questions, please contact Magalie.Chapman@state.co.us About Us & Benefits If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer: + Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans + Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans + Employer supplemented Health Savings Account + Paid life insurance + Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance) + 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave + State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home) + Employee Wellness program + Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more + Remote work arrangements for eligible positions + *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) . Our Values + We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide. + Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement. + We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado. + Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public. + We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy. + Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans. ADA Accommodations CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us . EEO Statement: ~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#eoe) We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Additional Support For Your Application Toll Free Applicant Technical Support If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AT PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREE   Toll Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support) The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon. 01 How many years of food service experience do you have in settings such as restaurants, schools, fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, or cafeterias? + More than 5 years + 4-5 years + 2-4 years + 1-2 years + Less than 1 year (or N/A) 02 How many years of experience do you have working in an institutional, State, or high-security setting such as nursing home, hospital, or correctional facility? (Including food service, custodial, security, etc. - any capacity.) + More than 5 years + 4-5 years + 2-4 years + 1-2 years + Less than 1 year (or N/A) 03 How many years of experience do you have working as a cook in a high volume, batch production kitchen, following prescribed large-scale recipes, monitoring production schedules, and maintaining inventory and supply orders? + More than 5 years + 4-5 years + 2-4 years + 1-2 years + Less than 1 year (or N/A) 04 Do you have a food handlers or other food safety certification? (If so, be sure this is specified in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.) + I have a CDPHE-approved food safety certification such as: Serve Safe, AAA food handler, 360 training, state food safety, NRFSP, or Always Food Safe + I have another type of certification + I received food safety training specifically at a job listed in my application. (Be sure this is included in the Work Experience section of your application.) + I have no specific training or experience in food safety. 05 This position will require you to float to different dining rooms on the Colorado Mental Health Hospital Campus (CMHHIP). Are you willing and able to work in multiple locations, including secure facilities? + Yes + Maybe + No 06 How many references have you provided in your application? + 3 or more (including at least two professional references) + 3 or more (including at least one professional reference) + 2 or more professional references only + 2 or more personal references only + 1 or none 07 If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position. 08 Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. + Yes + No 09 Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. 10 A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges. Are you willing to submit to a background check as required for this position? + Yes + No 11 The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links. + This information is available to me, and I have read this information. + I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.) Required Question Employer State of Colorado Address See the full announcement by clicking the "Printer" icon located above the job title Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email