Dining Services IV- Lead Cook - Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)

The Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo stands as a cornerstone of the Pueblo community with over a century of dedicated service. As a premier mental health care facility and one of the leading employers in the region, it plays a vital role in providing quality mental health services and partnering with the community to enhance wellness and recovery. The hospital is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact through their work. Aligned with the values of respect, transparency, accountability, and collaboration, the organization fosters a people-first approach that prioritizes the dignity, well-being, and diverse needs of the individuals and families it serves.

Within this institution, the Nutrition Services Department plays a crucial role in supporting patient health and recovery by providing high-quality food services and medical nutrition therapy. Serving over 1,600 clients across the mental health care facility and the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), the department employs more than 100 dedicated staff members who strive to meet the complex medical, spiritual, ethnic, cultural, and mental health nutritional needs of their clientele. The department operates with a focus on safety, compliance, and excellence while adhering to federal, state, and local regulations.

This role within the Nutrition Services Department is centered on preparing and serving meals, snacks, and beverages in a high- and medium-security environment. Candidates will engage in meal preparation using conventional cooking methods such as grilling, baking, roasting, and steaming, all performed with commercial-grade kitchen equipment. Responsibilities also include re-therming and assembling food portions with attention to proper food safety and sanitation guidelines, handling food storage, and cleaning kitchen equipment and production areas. The position requires a flexibility to work on-site from Wednesday through Sunday, with scheduled hours from 6 am to 2:30 pm.

The Lead Cook position provides essential leadership and culinary expertise, collaborating closely with dining services staff to ensure food production aligns with dietary standards and regulations. This involves training employees, overseeing meal service accuracy, monitoring sanitation practices, managing inventory and supply orders, and maintaining detailed documentation such as temperature logs and cleaning schedules. The role demands meticulous attention to food safety, including compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines and specialized handling of medical and religious diets, including gluten-free and kosher preparations.

Candidates for this position should possess at least three years of food service experience within occupationally related fields such as banquet settings, catering, or production kitchens. Preference is given to those with supervisory or work lead experience, knowledge of commercial food service operations, Serve Safe certification, and a background in high-volume or correctional facility kitchens. The role also requires proficiency in basic math for recipe scaling, culinary skills with a variety of food preparations, and familiarity with Microsoft and Google software programs for documentation and communication tasks.

Working for the Colorado Mental Health Hospital offers a unique opportunity to support vulnerable populations while developing a rewarding career in a stable and supportive environment. Employees benefit from comprehensive health and retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs, and a strong commitment to work-life balance and professional growth. The hospital upholds a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, promoting a workforce reflective of the diverse community it serves. As a state employer, it provides a structured, secure pathway to long-term career advancement and meaningful public service.