Food Service Assistant
Winnebago Mental Health Institute (WMHI), located near Oshkosh Wisconsin, is looking to fill Food Service Assistant 1 positions. WMHI is a part of the Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS) and is a psychiatric hospital providing quality mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. These positions are subject to a federal rotation schedule and will primarily work either from 4:00 am – 12:30 pm or from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, but must be available to work all shifts as needed.
This posting may be used to fill future openings.
A $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those who do not have prior state service in the last five years and must stay with WMHI in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 at hire and $1,000 after completing probation.
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. 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
As a Food Service Assistant 1, you will be responsible for the following duties:
- Rinsing, washing, and sanitizing all pots and pans.
- Delivering and picking up food carts and food for catering events.
- Cleaning and sanitizing food production and storage areas.
- Cleaning kitchen and bakery offices.
- Taking out trash and recyclables.
Salary Information
The starting salary is $16.67 per hour (approximately $34,600 per year), plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.
These positions are eligible for an additional $0.80 for hours worked between 6 pm to 6 am, and a weekend differential of $0.80 for hours worked between midnight Friday to midnight Sunday.
Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. These positions are in pay schedule and range 03/08.
Job Details
All applicants who may be appointed to these positions will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
These positions require manual labor, including lifting up to 45 pounds, pushing and pulling 50 pounds, lifting objects forward and overhead, and climbing a step ladder.
All appointees will be required to complete a pre-employment health assessment including a TB screen prior to their start date.
DHS does not sponsor work visas for these positions, 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
Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:
- Ability to work scheduled hours as needed, which may include weekends, holidays, early morning or early evenings, and overtime as needed.
- Previous food service or food production experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Training or experience using a computer to enter data.
Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:
- Knowledge of basic sanitation, hand washing and safety standards in a food service environment.
- Customer service experience.
- ServSafe certification (or equivalent food service certification).
- Experience working cooperatively as part of a team.
How To Apply
Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.
Helpful 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 Allyvia Vang at allyviam.vang@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
The deadline to apply is 11/21/25 at 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.