Cook 1 - Wernersville State Hospital
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Cook 1 - Wernersville State Hospital
Salary
$40,956.00 - $56,646.00 Annually
Location
Berks County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-51870-81150
Department
Department of Human Services
Division
HS Wernersville St Hosp
Opening Date
06/16/2026
Closing Date
6/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
81150
Position Number
00073874
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
N1
Pay Group
ST03
Bureau / Division Code
00210781
Bureau / Division
Wernersville State Hospital
Worksite Address
160 Main Street
City
Wernersville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
19565
Contact Name
Talent Management Section
Contact Email
ra-oahhsintakesec@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Do you have a passion for cooking and a desire to build a career in the food service industry? The Cook 1 position with the Department of Human Services at Wernersville State Hospital offers the chance to make a real difference every day. This role lets you prepare meals that support health, comfort, and well-being. Your work helps create a welcoming dining experience for those who rely on nutritious, well-prepared food. Apply today to join a team that values quality, teamwork, and care.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position prepares nutritious meals and supports kitchen operations to ensure a safe and pleasant dining environment for consumers. As a Cook 1, you will perform the following duties:
Meal Preparation: Produce menu items by following standardized recipes and cooking methods
Food Distribution: Portion and label food for delivery to designated dining areas
Equipment Operation: Use kitchen tools and appliances safely and according to posted instructions
Sanitation Tasks: Clean equipment, surfaces, and work areas to maintain sanitation standards
Ingredient Support: Assist with storage, pre-prep, and handling of food items when needed
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00073874) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with rotating days off. You will be required to work every other weekend and holidays as assigned. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
Overtime: As needed.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Desirable Preparation for Work:
Experience in cooking or quantity food preparation;or
Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.
In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
02
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - OPERATES FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT
Operates institutional/commercial kitchen equipment such as grinders, slicers, mixers, ovens, ranges, broilers, and other equipment in a food preparation operation.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A, I have independently operated institutional/commercial kitchen equipment in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military, or other food preparation operation.
B. I have operated institutional/commercial kitchen equipment in my training; OR I have operated institutional/commercial kitchen equipment under close supervision while working in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military, or other food preparation operation.
C. I have no experience or training in operating institutional/commercial kitchen equipment in a food preparation operation.
03
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The name(s) and @type(s) of facility where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed.
The @type(s) of food preparation equipment you have operated.
Your level of responsibility.
04
If you have selected the level of performance related to training, please provide the requested information below.
If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
Training Source
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
05
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - CLEANS AND SANITIZES
Cleans and sanitizes utensils, kitchen equipment, work areas and surfaces, food storage areas, and floors in a food preparation operation.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have independently cleaned and sanitized areas and items in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, or other food preparation operation.
B. I have cleaned and sanitized areas and items in my training; OR I have cleaned and sanitized areas and items under close supervision while working in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military, or other food preparation operation.
C. I have no experience or training in cleaning and sanitizing areas and items in a food preparation operation.
06
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The name(s) and @type(s) of facility where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed.
The areas and items you have cleaned and sanitized
Your level of responsibility.
07
If you have selected the level of performance related to training, please provide the requested information below.
If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
Training Source
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
08
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PREPARES QUANTITIES OF FOOD AS REQUIRED
Prepares recipes and food items in correct amounts and in a timely manner following production schedules determined by the supervisor.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have independently prepared recipes and food items in correct amounts and in a timely manner as required in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military or other food preparation operation.
B. I have prepared recipes and food items in correct amounts in a timely manner as required in my training; OR I have prepared recipes and food items in correct amounts in a timely manner under close supervision while working in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military, or other food preparation operation.
C. I have no experience or training in preparing recipes and food items in correct amounts in a food preparation operation.
09
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The name(s) and @type(s) of facility where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed.
The @type(s) and quantities of foods you prepared on a regular basis.
Your level of responsibility.
10
If you have selected the level of performance related to training, please provide the requested information below.
If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
Training Source
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PREPARES AND HOLDS FOOD SAFELY
Prepares food using safe food-handling methods for defrosting, cooking, and holding.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
A. I have independently prepared food using safe food-handling methods in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military, or other food preparation operation.
B. I have prepared food using safe food-handling methods in my training; OR I have prepared food using safe food-handling methods under close supervision while working in a restaurant, medical/aging/rehabilitation facility, school, military or other food preparation operation.
C. I have no experience or training in preparing food using safe food-handling methods in a food preparation operation.
12
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The name(s) and @type(s) of facility where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed.
The safe food-handling methods you used.
Your level of responsibility.
13
If you have selected the level of performance related to training, please provide the requested information below.
If you indicated you have no training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
Training Source
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
14
CERTIFICATIONS
Do you hold current safe food-handling certifications for any of the following:
Pennsylvania Food Employee Certification
ServSafe
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
Yes
No
15
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the Issuing Body, Certificate Number, and Expiration Date for certifications you currently hold. If you answered no, @type N/A in the box below.
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
