Food Service Worker - Lincoln Regional Center

About the role

The work we do matters!

• Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25
• Location: Lincoln, NE
• Hiring Rate: $18.478

Job Posting

JR2026-00030260 Food Service Worker - Lincoln Regional Center (Evergreen) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

About the role

Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) is a 24-hour, state-operated psychiatric hospital that provides specialized inpatient treatment and recovery-focused services for adults experiencing serious mental health conditions. As a secure healthcare facility, LRC offers around-the-clock care, support, and supervision in a structured therapeutic environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to promote patient safety, recovery, skill development, and successful community reintegration.

Are you an experienced kitchen professional who enjoys working independently and takes pride in preparing quality meals?

Lincoln Regional Center is looking for a dependable Food Service Workers/Cook to help keep our kitchen/cafeteria 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.

If you're someone who can step into a kitchen, stay organized, and confidently manage food preparation from start to finish, we'd like to hear from you.

Starting Pay

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

• Hours: - 2 schedules available
• Wed-Sun - 10:30am - 7:00pm with Monday/Tuesday off
• Wed- Sun - 4:30am - 1:00pm with Monday/Tuesday off

What You'll Do

• 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.

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

• 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.

Additional information

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

• 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

Additional information

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.