Job Title: Cook
Department: Food & Nutrition Services
Location: Spring View Hospital
Reports To: Executive Chef / Food Service Manager
Position Summary
The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious meals for patients, visitors, physicians, and hospital staff. This position follows standardized recipes, therapeutic diet guidelines, and food safety regulations to ensure meals are prepared safely, accurately, and on time while maintaining the highest standards of sanitation and customer service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
- Follow therapeutic diet modifications and portion control requirements for patient meals.
- Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
- Maintain proper food temperatures and accurately document required temperature logs.
- Operate kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, grills, steamers, mixers, slicers, and other food preparation equipment.
- Assist with meal assembly, cafeteria service, catering functions, and special events as needed.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, workstations, storage areas, and food preparation areas.
- Rotate inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) procedures and report shortages or damaged products.
- Minimize food waste while maintaining quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with dietary staff to ensure timely meal service.
- Follow all hospital safety policies, infection prevention procedures, and departmental guidelines.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Manager or Executive Chef.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous cooking experience in a hospital, healthcare facility, restaurant, or institutional food service preferred.
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques, food safety, and sanitation practices.
- Ability to follow written recipes and production schedules.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as needed.
- Food Handler Certification or the ability to obtain certification if required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Work safely in environments with hot equipment, sharp utensils, and wet floors.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.
Key Competencies
- Food Preparation & Cooking
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Quality Focus
