What are the responsibilities and job description for the COOK SPECIALIST II position at Department of State Hospitals?
Department of State Hospitals
COOK SPECIALIST II
$4,239.00 - $5,206.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 6/18/2026
Job Description and Duties
The Cook Specialist II (Safety) will be directed by the Supervising Cook I in Nutrition Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:
- Cooks and dispenses food required on the regular/modified menus while adhering to requirements for physical exertion, infection control and food safety/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Maintains order, cleanliness and sanitation.
- Supervises and coordinates activities of assigned Cook Specialist I's, Food Service Technicians, and patients.
- Adheres to requirements for safety, security, emergency response and a non-hostile work environment.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.
If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.
Cook Specialist II (Safety) examination is currently unavailable
- Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position.
Working Conditions
This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
Position Details
Department Information
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
- Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum Qualifications based on full-time training in a recognized trade school for cooks and bakers MUST submit proof of attendance.
- If using Out of Class (OOC) experience to meet minimum qualifications, you MUST provide a copy of the approved OOC Completion Memorandum certifying your OOC experience. Failure to submit the required documents will result in the OOC experience not being applied towards meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification. If you are not basing your eligibility on Out of Class experience, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/18/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Other - Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum Qualifications based on full-time training in a recognized trade school for cooks and bakers MUST submit proof of attendance.
- Other - If using Out of Class (OOC) experience to meet minimum qualifications, you MUST provide a copy of the approved OOC Completion Memorandum certifying your OOC experience. Failure to submit the required documents will result in the OOC experience not being applied towards meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification. If you are not basing your eligibility on Out of Class experience, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).
Benefits
- Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
- Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
- Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Commute Program
- Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- ScholarShare (college savings account)
- On-the-job training and professional development
- Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards
These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Hiring Unit Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
- Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
- Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
- Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
- Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
- Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
- This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $4,239 - $5,206