Food Service Worker/Cook

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Norfolk, NE

Hiring Rate:

$18.478

Job Posting:

JR2026-00030254 Food Service Worker/Cook Norfolk Regional Center (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Are you an experienced kitchen professional who enjoys working independently and takes pride in preparing quality meals?

Norfolk Regional Center is looking for a dependable Food Service Worker/Cook to help keep our cafeteria running smoothly. You'll be responsible for serving meals, maintaining a clean and organized cafeteria, following food safety and sanitation standards, and ensuring patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals. You'll also provide friendly, professional customer service and help create a positive dining experience with a smile!

We're looking for someone with food safety standards and customer relations in a restaurant, healthcare, school, correctional, cafeteria, or other commercial kitchen.

Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.

The ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple tasks.
A strong work ethic and dependability.

Confidence working independently while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Wage: $18.478/hour + $3.00/hour Facility Differential + Shift Differential for eligible evening hours.

Hours: Alternating Weeks
5:30am – 2:00pm - 8 hour shifts
5:30am – 4:00pm - 10 hour shifts
Schedule details will be discussed in interview

Benefits Include:
• 156% state retirement match
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• 79% employer-paid health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth

What You'll Do

• Dish up, and serve meals, including special diet requirements.
• Independently manage daily cafeteria operations during assigned shifts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary area.
• Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Work as part of a supportive team while confidently handling responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Coursework, training and/or experience in food preparation, baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an institutional cafeteria environment, such as a hospital, behavioral health facility, long-term care facility, school, correctional facility, or other large-scale food service operation.
• Experience with food safety, sanitation practices, special diets, and maintaining efficient cafeteria operations.

Other: Must be 19 years of age and be able to stand on feet for 4 hours and lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

Knowledge of:

• Commercial and institutional cafeteria operations, including food preparation, cooking, and meal production.
• Food safety, sanitation standards, and safe food handling practices.
• Proper storage, organization, and handling of food supplies.

Ability to:

• Follow recipes, menus, production schedules, and special diet requirements under doctor orders.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment.
• Operate equipment safely, including sharp, hot, and heavy equipment.
• Prioritize tasks and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Work collaboratively as part of a healthcare food service team.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.