Job Details
*Extra Help* Mental Health Cook
2025-12-15 Humboldt County, CA Eureka,CA
Description:
This position is located at Sempervirens - 720 Wood Street, Eureka, CA, 95501.
This position has a varied schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, participates in the preparation, volume cooking and portioning of meals for patients in a psychiatric facility; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This skilled, working level class is responsible to properly prepare nutritional meals in a large volume, institutional setting. This class is distinguished from Director of Dietary Services in that the latter is the first full supervisory level, responsible for all food preparation and planning activities and for directing the work of others. It is further distinguished from Correctional Cook in that the latter is found only in a locked correction setting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Skill in:
Other Requirements:
Desirable Education and Experience:
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the county's automated application system at
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The county utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered most qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
Can I change my application after submitting it?
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The county Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the county is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The county recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.
If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) ###-#### well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the county may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the county's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the county requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.
CalPERS Retirement Program:
COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:
VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)
4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)
11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)
16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)
21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)
HOLIDAYS
Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.
SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
INCENTIVE PAY
County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.
Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.
01
Please describe your experience and/or training in institutional meal planning and preparation. Include the length of your experience in such a setting, the type of institution in which you worked, the average number of meals prepared per shift, and any menu planning for which you were responsible.
02
Please describe any experience you've had maintaining inventory records, ordering food and supplies, or in preparing written orders for special diets.
03
Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.
04
Are you willling and able to work flexible hours including split shifts, weekends and holidays?
05
This recruitment is for a temporary, non-benefitted Extra Help position. Please select "yes" to confirm that you have read and acknowledged the above statement.
Required Question
Salary: $17.46 - $22.41 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Extra-help
Job Number: 24-00263
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: 424 - Mental Health
Opening Date: 12/11/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
DEFINITION
Please note: This position is for a non-benefited Extra Help assignment.
**Extra Help** Mental Health Cook - Behavioral Health
Department of Health & Human Services
Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services!
What You'll Do:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;
- Need California Food Handler's Certificate within 30 days of hire
- Cook meals for patient's that align with prescribed nutritional needs
- Kitchen clean up that meets California regulations
- Inventory and date kitchen supplies, stocking inventory
- Be able to fill out paperwork & complete mandatory online trainings
- Able to work independently & communicate clearly in a team environment
This position is located at Sempervirens - 720 Wood Street, Eureka, CA, 95501.
This position has a varied schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, participates in the preparation, volume cooking and portioning of meals for patients in a psychiatric facility; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This skilled, working level class is responsible to properly prepare nutritional meals in a large volume, institutional setting. This class is distinguished from Director of Dietary Services in that the latter is the first full supervisory level, responsible for all food preparation and planning activities and for directing the work of others. It is further distinguished from Correctional Cook in that the latter is found only in a locked correction setting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Personally participates in the preparation, cooking and portioning of meals; prepares vegetables and fruits; cooks meats, soups and other foods; prepares sauces, gravies, breads and pastries; performs similar preparation tasks.
- Orders and/or purchases required food items.
- Prepares and oversees the preparation of a full range of meals, including special diets.
- Ensures that food preparation equipment, cooking and serving utensils, kitchen work areas and the dining area are orderly, clean and sanitary.
- Uses, cleans, adjusts and performs minor maintenance to a variety of large institutional cooking equipment.
- Stores leftover food appropriately, maintains stocks of food and supplies; receives food and supplies, unpacks and stores in the appropriate location.
- Maintains records of food and supplies used and meals served.
- Instruct aides in methods of basic meal preparation
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Principles, methods and equipment used in high volume meal preparation in an institutional setting.
- Safe work practices and sanitation related to food preparation and service.
- Basic business arithmetic.
- Basic inventory and recordkeeping principles.
Skill in:
- Preparing meals in a large scale, institutional setting.
- Overseeing and prioritizing the work of others.
- Operating, cleaning and performing minor maintenance to large institutional food preparation and cooking equipment.
- Maintaining accurate records and preparing work related reports.
- Instructing others in work procedure.
- Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
- Reading, understanding and following recipes and oral and written directions.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:
- Must routinely stand and walk for extended periods.
Desirable Education and Experience:
- A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Two years of experience in large scale institutional food preparation and volume cooking experience
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the county's automated application system at
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The county utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered most qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, feel free to contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-###-#### or ...@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The county Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the county is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The county recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.
If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) ###-#### well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the county may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the county's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the county requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.
CalPERS Retirement Program:
- Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
- Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
- Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62
COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Health Insurance
- Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
- County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
- Additional Insurance Coverage
- Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
- Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
- County-Provided Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Longevity Pay
- Educational Reimbursement
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Bus Pass Program
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:
- Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
- Flexible Spending Accounts
VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)
4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)
11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)
16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)
21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)
HOLIDAYS
Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.
SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
INCENTIVE PAY
County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.
Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.
01
Please describe your experience and/or training in institutional meal planning and preparation. Include the length of your experience in such a setting, the type of institution in which you worked, the average number of meals prepared per shift, and any menu planning for which you were responsible.
02
Please describe any experience you've had maintaining inventory records, ordering food and supplies, or in preparing written orders for special diets.
03
Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.
04
Are you willling and able to work flexible hours including split shifts, weekends and holidays?
- Yes
- No
05
This recruitment is for a temporary, non-benefitted Extra Help position. Please select "yes" to confirm that you have read and acknowledged the above statement.
- Yes
- No
Required Question