Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Cook II. The successful candidate prepares and cooks food according to the menu to the number of persons served. Determines the type and amount of ingredients in recipes, evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste. Performs related work as required.

Please note: This position is 40 hours a week working the day shift from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Days off are Friday and Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Cooks food in quantities according to menus and number of persons to be served adjusting recipes as needed to produce required amounts.
• Roasts, fries, boils, broils, and seasons meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and other foods required for daily meals.
• Mixes and measures ingredients according to recipe, using kitchen utensils and equipment, to prepare soups, salads, desserts, etc.
• Determines type or amount of ingredients which may be substituted or omitted from recipes without altering taste, appearance or quality.
• Guides kitchen staff in the preparation and safe handling of food in accordance with department protocol and state sanitary regulations.
• Performs related duties such as weighing portions of food to assure uniformity in servings; storing food at proper temperatures to prevent spoilage; cleaning cooking equipment and work areas; placing prepared food in carts for delivery; and transporting food from kitchen to the serving area for meal service.
• Inspects prep and storage areas for compliance with sanitation codes.
• Evaluates food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature, and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh and properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Serves meals on the serving line, assists FSW III when asked to plate, serve, or replenish foods.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at (508) 977-3383.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the preparation and cooking of food in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institution, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions: I. A diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school, at high school level or higher, with a major in culinary arts, food services or food trades may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

Special Requirements: None

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.