Dining Services IV at Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

Dining Services IV at Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

Salary

$22.40 - $31.36 Hourly

Location

Brighton, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IKA 07029 09/11/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OCYF - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

Opening Date

09/16/2026

Closing Date

9/28/2026 12:00 AM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

192 Bromley Business Parkway Brighton, CO 80603

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

melissa.l.lopez@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

This posting maybe used to fill multiple vacancies.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

About the Division of Youth Services:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, assessment, commitment and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates ten secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Senate Bill 91-94; a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

Description of Job

This position exists to supervise a food services program in juvenile correctional facility and to assist with the preparation of the meals for this facility. The individual in this position must lead staff provide quality meals to youth and staff, and to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and standards.

What you will be doing:

• Inventory Control:
• Inspects food and food service supplies for accurate quantity and condition upon arrival to the facility and rejects food and supplies that are inadequate.
• Stores raw food and food supplies utilizing a FIFO inventory method.
• Dates all food products upon arrival.
• Signs requisitions and submits to the facility food managerial or supervisory staff.
• Assists in taking a physical count of the inventory at least once a month.
• In the absence of the facility food manager or supervisory staff requisitions food and food service supplies.

Work LeadDirects food services employees to provide facility food services and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards.This position is responsible for assigning tasks, monitoring progress and workflow of the assigned tasks, scheduling, working and approving leave request.Provides input in employee performance plans, reviews evaluations while maintaining all pertaining documentation. Provides orientation for new employees and other training required for food services staff.Maintains compliance on all kitchen logs and update forms as needed.

• Meal Preparation and Service:
• Properly prepares food that is attractive, appetizing, and of proper temperatures.
• Follows DYS menus and recipes in order to comply with National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and DYS policies and procedures.
• Enters data onto production worksheets.
• When recipes or menu changes are required, documents changes and submits to facility food managerial or supervisory staff.
• Sets up and tears down serving line as needed.
• Garnishes food on the serving line.
• Serves food in the proper quantities according to the DYS recipes.

Safety and Security:

• Anticipates and identifies potential safety and security problems and reports problems to the facility food managerial or supervisory staff.
• Recognizes safety hazards.
• Inventories knives and/or culinary utensils according to facility procedures to prevent loss.
• Follows DYS policies and facility procedures related to safety and security, including but not limited to using all equipment properly, ensuring that doors are kept locked, storing chemicals properly, etc.

Sanitation:

• Follows proper sanitation procedures for the handling of food and the cleaning of the food service area.
• Cleans food services equipment and the physical plant of the kitchen on a regular basis, or as assigned, to keep them free of food particles, dust, and bacteria.
• Controls times and temperatures of food to prevent food borne illness.
• Complies with the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations.

Training and Meetings:

• Attends DYS and facility meetings to maintain and increase knowledge regarding procedural changes.
• Attends training to increase job knowledge and comply with DYS policies and procedures.

Regulatory and Policy ComplianceSurveys youth to evaluate youth satisfaction of products served. Inspects kitchen to ensure that safety and cleanliness are maintained and that temperatures for food and equipment are adequate.Prepares daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports, records, and forms for compliance with the National School Lunch Programs, School Breakfast Program, Donated Food Program, Rules and Regulations Governing Food Service Establishments, and DYS policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented in the work experience section of your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only: Three (3) years of Food service experience in baking, cooking and preparation of food or an occupationally related field such as work in banquet, catering etc.

Substitutions:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in baking

• Servesafe Certification

• Working in a Hospital or Living Centers

HIGHLY DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of institutional food service procedures and practices,
• Knowledge of health requirements in the operation of a food service unit,
• Knowledge of health hazards in food service and the necessary precautionary measures,
• Knowledge of weights, measures, (e.g., food scales, measuring cups, and spoons) and food measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of techniques used in mixing food (e.g., gelatin, pancake batter, salad dressing, scrambled eggs, etc.).
• Knowledge of meat and vegetable preparation methods.
• Knowledge of cooking methods (e.g., frying, deep-fat frying, boiling, or baking).
• Knowledge of the use of kitchen utensils in serving or portioning meals.
• Knowledge of food safety related to handling and storing cooked foods, serving and storing temperatures, or reading food thermometers.
• Ability to read English at the level necessary for interpreting and understanding written recipes, menus, nourishment labels, diet slips, portioning sheets, and policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as related to calculating or converting units of measure for determining proper amounts of food ingredients for mass food production.
• Ability to clean, cut, cube, grind, and tenderize meat.
• Ability to clean, peel, dice, grate, slice, and chop vegetables.
• Ability to measure food ingredients using food scales, measuring cups, or spoons.
• Ability to mix food items (e.g., gelatin, pancake batter, salad dressing, scrambled eggs, etc.).
• Ability to boil food items and operate a jacketed steam kettle in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to fry food items and operate a grill or tilt grill in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to bake food items and operate a gas, rotary, or convection oven in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions,

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Shift Work - Subject to assigned shifts, may be required to work breakfast, lunch, or dinner shifts.
• Position is considered essential and you may be required to report to work during inclement weather
• Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Various cleaning agents used in the kitchen.
• Travel - May require floating to other DYS facilities to help with coverage, travel to meetings and training.
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• The Diana Screen, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Divisions decision on whether a candidate is selected.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

• By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

• Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

• Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact melissa.l.lopez@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

02

If you are a current or previous state of Colorado employee and know your employee ID number (EID) please provide.

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/