Dining Services III - Cook - Spring Creek Youth Service Center

State of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

SKILLS

Adjudication, Administrative Procedures, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Background Investigation, Bacteria, Child and Youth Services, Comparative Analysis, Cook Dishes, Department of Health and Human Services, Disability Insurance, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Establish Priorities, FIFO, Food Presentation, Food Production, Food Services, Hazardous Materials/Substances, Healthcare, Human Health, Life Insurance, Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance, Raw Food, Regulations, Risk, Safety Process, Sanitation, Technical Support, Training Program, Waitressing, Willing to Travel, Work From Home

LOCATION

Colorado Springs, CO

POSTED

2 days ago

Salary: $21.34 Hourly
Location : Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IKA 02159 06/23/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OCYF - Spring Creek Youth Services Center
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 3190 E Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs CO 80906
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Melissa.L.Lopez@state.co.us
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at 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.

Department Information
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
About the Division of Youth Services:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates ten secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Senate Bill 91-94; a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Job Assignment:
The purpose of the work unit is to provide a statewide continuum of services and programs to access, treat, and control youth placed in its care for delinquent behavior.

The position performs fully-operational food production work in the DYS Food Services Department.
MEAL PREPARATION AND SERVICE. Properly prepares food that is attractive, appetizing, and of proper temperatures. Follows DYS menus and recipes in order to comply with National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and DYS policies and procedures. Enters data onto production worksheets. When recipe changes are required, documents changes and submits to facility food service manager. Sets up and tears down serving line as needed. Garnishes food on the serving line. Serves food in the proper quantities according to the DYS recipes.

SAFETY AND SECURITY. Anticipates and identifies potential safety and security problems and reports problems to the facility food managerial or supervisory staff. Recognizes safety hazards. Uses food service equipment properly. Follows good safety practices to reduce or prevent slips, trips, falls, burns, etc. Inventories knives and/or culinary utensils according to facility procedures to prevent loss. Follows facility key procedures and ensures that doors are kept locked to prevent escapes. Uses and stores chemicals properly. Follows DYS policies and facility procedures related to safety and security.

SANITATION. Follows proper sanitation procedures for the handling of food and the cleaning of the food service area. Cleans food services equipment and the physical plant of the kitchen on a regular basis, or as assigned, to keep them free of food particles, dust, and bacteria. Controls times and temperatures of food to prevent food borne illness. Complies with the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations.

INVENTORY CONTROL. Inspects food and food service supplies for accurate quantity and condition upon arrival to the facility. Rejects food and supplies that are inadequate. Stores raw food and food supplies utilizing a FIFO inventory method. Dates all food products upon arrival. Signs requisitions and submits to the facility food managerial or supervisory staff. Assists in taking a physical count of the inventory at least once a month. In the absence of facility food managerial or supervisory staff requisitions food and food service supplies.

TRAINING AND MEETINGS. Attends DYS and facility meetings to maintain and increase knowledge regarding procedural changes. Attends training to increase job knowledge and comply with DYS policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED. Performs other duties as assigned. My be required to work any shift, weekends, holidays, and OT to ensure adequate coverage to feed the clients.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented in the work experience section of your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Substitutions:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.

Conditions of Employment:

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Full background check and reference check required
This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts, may be required to work breakfast, lunch, or dinner shifts.
Position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather
Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Various cleaning agents used in the kitchen.
Travel - May require floating to other DYS facilities to help with coverage, travel to meetings and training.
Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
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.

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 in the application form. 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 reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
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.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

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 website.

You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here.
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 webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact
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 (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 and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
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.

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
EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
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 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:

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

A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?

02

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.)

03

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.

04

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
05

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 explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
Required Question

Dining Services III - Cook - Spring Creek Youth Service Center

State of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO

About the Company

State of Colorado

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