Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 53048

Opening Date: 01/29/2026
Closing Date: 02/11/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: COOK I - 09601
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $3,879 - $5,216 per month ($46,548 - $62,592 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC009 Institutional Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to hire a Cook I for the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center located in Springfield, Illinois to prepare and cook on a quantity scale basis for individuals and staff of the McFarland Mental Health Center. Assumes responsibility for the section of the meal preparation assigned. Batch cooks according to policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and cooks on a quantity scale basis for individuals and staff of the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center.
• Operates standard cooking equipment such as mixing machines, steam cookers, toasters, food choppers, bake ovens and steam kettles.
• Assists in the inspection of the kitchen to verify the kitchen is equipped with the necessary supplies and needed food.
• Cleans equipment and work area to maintain sanitation, safety and conditions.
• Serves as back-up for the food service line with food/batch cook required food items.
• Completes all Department of Human Services (DHS) and Capitol Region Mental Health Center (CRMHC) mandatory training requirements.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of high school and six (6) months of cooking experience which provides working knowledge of food preparation and cooking methods on a large-scale basis.

*Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements for this class.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to obtain a valid Food Service Sanitation Certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health or a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification from a program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Conference for Food Protection (CFP) within 30 days of employment.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: See shift below

(1 vacancy) 5:00am-1:00pm, 10:00am-6:00pm, 30 minute unpaid lunch, Dietary Department

Week 1 - Sun 5:00am-1:00pm, Mon Off, Tues 5:00am-1:00pm, Wed 5:00am-1:00pm, Thur 10:00am-6:00pm, Fri 5:00am-1:00pm, Sat off

Week 2 - Sun off, Mon 10:00am-6:00pm, Tues 5:00am-1:00pm, Wed 5:00am-1:00pm, Thur 5:00am-1:00pm, Fri 5:00am-1:00pm, Sat off

Week 3 - Sun off, Mon 5:00am-1:00pm, Tues 5:00am-1:00pm, Wed 5:00am-1:00pm, Thur off, Fri 5:00am-1:00pm, Sat 5:00am-1:00pm

Headquarter Location: 901 E Southwind Rd Springfield, IL 62703-5125

Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center

Dietary Department

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Building, Fleet & Institutional Support; Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com