Dining Services III - Cook - Lookout Mountain Youth Service Center.

This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until all positions are filled, with the posting closing on January 21, 2027.

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 statutorily mandated to care for and supervise youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates ten secure facilities serving youth aged 10 to 21 who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, DYS manages Senate Bill 91-94, a State-funded, locally administered program for youth at risk of further involvement in the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services statewide.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Service:
  • Prepare food that is attractive, appetizing, and at proper temperatures following DYS menus and recipes to comply with National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and DYS policies.
  • Enter data onto production worksheets; document and submit recipe changes to the facility food service manager.
  • Set up and tear down the serving line; garnish food and serve in proper quantities according to DYS recipes.
• Safety and Security:
  • Identify and report potential safety and security problems to facility food managerial or supervisory staff.
  • Use food service equipment properly and follow safety practices to prevent slips, trips, falls, burns, etc.
  • Inventory knives and culinary utensils; follow facility key procedures to prevent loss or escapes.
  • Use and store chemicals properly; adhere to DYS policies and facility procedures related to safety and security.
• Sanitation:
  • Follow proper sanitation procedures for food handling and cleaning of the food service area.
  • Clean food services equipment and kitchen areas regularly to prevent food particles, dust, and bacteria.
  • Control times and temperatures of food to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Comply with Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations.
• Inventory Control:
  • Inspect food and supplies for accurate quantity and condition upon arrival; reject inadequate items.
  • Store raw food and supplies using a FIFO inventory method; date all food products upon arrival.
  • Sign requisitions and submit to facility food managerial or supervisory staff; assist in monthly physical inventory counts.
  • Requisition food and supplies in the absence of facility food managerial or supervisory staff.
• Training and Meetings:
  • Attend DYS and facility meetings to stay informed about procedural changes.
  • Participate in training to increase job knowledge and comply with DYS policies.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform additional duties as assigned, including working any shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime to ensure adequate coverage.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must pass a full background check and reference check.
• Must be a Colorado state resident at the time of application and maintain residency throughout employment.
• Position is considered essential; may require reporting to work during inclement weather.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, including various cleaning agents used in the kitchen.
• May require travel to other DYS facilities, meetings, and training.
• Continued employment contingent upon successful completion of DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application and explain why it should not disqualify them from the current position.

Benefits

• Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits, including 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.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Excellent work-life programs, including flexible schedules, training, and remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Schedule

Shifts will be scheduled between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Work arrangements are subject to change at any time. May be required to work any shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime to ensure adequate coverage.