Job Description

Introduction

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The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Food Service Assistant. Shifts rotate between 6:00 am to 2:30 pm and 10:15 am to 6:45 pm, and staff will be required to work every other weekend.


This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies


MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, and is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.


MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.


As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months. Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package! Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings. Well Wisconsin Wellness Program. A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary

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As a Food Service Assistant, you will:

serve meals to patients in one of three serving areas, clean and sanitize food trays and utensils, prepare desserts, transport food from kitchen to patient buildings, clean and sanitize pans, perform cleaning and sanitation tasks, and store food and supplies in storage areas.

Salary Information

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Pay for this position is $17.64 per hour, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.


A

$2,000

sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with the facility in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 after completing probation.


Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Food Service Assistant 2 and is in pay schedule and range 03/09.

Job Details

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All applicants will be required to allow the DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.


All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.


This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing 100lb food carts, climbing ladders, bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling, stooping, standing, sitting and working on feet for extended periods of time. Applicants may be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.


This position requires the ability to work in an environment that may be hot and humid with temperatures reaching 90 degrees for short periods of time.


DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

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Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

Working scheduled hours as needed, which may include weekends, holidays, early mornings or early evenings, and overtime as needed. Experience with basic sanitation, hand washing and safety standards in a food service environment. The ability to follow written and oral instructions and accept work assignment changes as needed. An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

Experience with food service in an institutional setting. Experience with safety and sanitation procedures including recording food temperatures, reducing food waste, and preventing food-borne illness/spoilage.

For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

How To Apply

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Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.


Information:

Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline. Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Shea O'Malley in Human Resources at shea.omalley@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply

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The deadline to apply is October 23, 2025, by 11:59 pm.


Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.