Food Service Worker

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $18.478 Job Posting: JR2026-00027560 Food Service Worker (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 07-13-2026 Job Description: The Lincoln Regional Center, a Joint Commission-accredited state hospital serving adult patients with mental illness, is seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Food Service Worker to join our team. This position plays an important role in delivering exceptional food service in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while supporting the health and well-being of our patients. In this role, you will assist with food preparation, maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen and dining areas, and help ensure every patient and customer receives quality service. Whether serving meals, assisting with kitchen duties, or maintaining sanitation standards, your contribution will be vital to the smooth operation of our food service department. If you enjoy working collaboratively, providing excellent service, and making a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply. Wage: $18.478 plus $3/hour Facility Differential, plus shift differential for hours worked in 2nd shift and on the weekends. Work Schedule 4:30am-1:00pm with Monday/Tuesday off. What the State of Nebraska Offers • Stable employment opportunity • Career development and learning opportunities • Tuition reimbursement • Retirement plan with a 156% match of the first 4.8% contribution • 13 paid holidays • Generous leave accruals and comprehensive benefits • Opportunity to be part of a caring organization • Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans • Respect and support as a valued team member Job Duties: Under the general supervision of a Food Service Supervisor or higher-level staff member, duties may include: Prepare and serve meals to patients, including special diet requirements Ensure food safety and sanitation standards are followed Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment Assist with kitchen and dining room operations Maintain cleanliness of dishes, utensils, equipment, and facilities Support safe and efficient food preparation processes 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 One year of coursework or training in food preparation Cooking and baking experience in a large-scale food service operation Other: Must be 18 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: Kitchen and dining room safety practices Food sanitation procedures Special diets and food preparation schedules Cooking techniques for meats, vegetables, soups, salads, and baked goods Kitchen equipment, utensils, and cleaning procedures Facility security and emergency procedures Ability to: Communicate effectively with patients and co-workers Follow instructions and maintain records Safely operate sharp, hot, or heavy kitchen equipment Bend, stoop, lift, and carry food items and supplies Work in high temperatures and humid environments Train or assist lower-level food service staff as needed 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: 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: 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. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. Click here for a video tutorial. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!