Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook Norfolk Regional Center

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location: Norfolk, NE

About the role

Norfolk Regional Center is looking for a dependable Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook to help keep our kitchen running smoothly. This is more than a cooking position—you'll be responsible for preparing meals, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, following food safety standards, and ensuring patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals. We're looking for someone who has experience preparing meals in a restaurant, healthcare, school, correctional, cafeteria, or other commercial kitchen.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills & Knowledge

• Commercial and institutional kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and meal production.
• Food safety, sanitation standards, and safe food handling practices.
• Preparation methods for meats, vegetables, soups, salads, baked goods, and special diets.
• Operation, cleaning, and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.
• Proper storage, organization, and handling of food supplies.
• Ability to independently prepare and cook meals while managing daily kitchen responsibilities.
• Follow recipes, menus, production schedules, and special diet requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment.
• Operate kitchen 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.

Pay

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

Schedule

Week 1: 5:30am – 2:00pm with Wed/Thurs - Off
Week 2: 5:30am – 4:00pm with Mon/Sat/Sun – Off

Benefits

• 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