Kitchen Staff

Title: Kitchen Staff

State Role Title: 79211

Hiring Range: Salary Starting at $34,322.00; Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 1

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Central State Hospital is seeking dedicated Kitchen Staff professional to join our Food Service team and support our mission of providing safe, high-quality care to our patients. This role is responsible for preparing and serving meals using proper procedures and equipment, ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Duties include accurate tray assembly, portioning meals according to recipes, monitoring food temperatures, following proper storage and FIFO methods, and ensuring timely meal and snack service tailored to patient needs. Kitchen Staff also maintain a clean and safe work environment, follow quarantine procedures when necessary, and communicate any issues promptly to supervisors. Successful candidates will demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients and coworkers while helping to foster a positive and supportive workplace.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:
- Ability to do manual labor and tasks such as bending, stooping and lifting
- Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Demonstrated ability to perform sanitation tasks such as cleaning floors, food service
equipment and other work areas
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques

Minimum Qualifications

- Experience in a Large Food Service Operation

Additional Considerations

- A Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during