Cook II

This role supports all aspects of kitchen operations across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grill service in a hospital environment. You will prepare and cook a variety of hot and cold menu items, support both retail and patient meal production, and help ensure a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen. The position requires flexibility to work AM, PM, weekends, holidays, and vacation relief shifts while consistently delivering high-quality food and excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, portion, and present a variety of hot and cold food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grill service.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion controls, and food presentation standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Learn and execute both retail and patient menu production as required by daily operations.
• Cross-train and assist in all kitchen functions, including food preparation, salad and cold food production, patient meal service, retail food service, dishwashing, and dish room operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment in accordance with food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Properly store, label, and rotate food products to ensure freshness and compliance with safety standards.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and correctly as part of daily food production.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers to ensure efficient kitchen operations and timely meal delivery.
• Provide excellent customer service to patients, guests, and staff, responding courteously to requests and feedback.
• Assist with opening, closing, and cleaning duties as assigned to support smooth shift transitions.
• Support kitchen operations during staffing shortages, vacations, and peak service periods by working in multiple areas as needed.
• Practice proper food handling techniques and uphold all food safety and sanitation policies.
• Monitor inventory levels, support inventory control processes, and communicate needs to maintain adequate stock.
• Manage time effectively to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet meal service deadlines.
• Work calmly and efficiently under pressure during high-volume service periods.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in cooking or food preparation in a hospital, healthcare facility, cafeteria, restaurant, or large-volume food service environment (preferred).
• Strong food preparation skills, including hot line cooking, cold prep, and food production.
• Proficiency with knife skills and safe use of kitchen equipment.
• Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleaning procedures.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes, portion guidelines, and presentation standards.
• Experience with dietary cooking and accommodating different menu requirements.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holiday coverage as needed.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy, quality, and safety.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with kitchen and service staff.
• Strong customer service mindset with a positive, professional attitude.
• Dependable attendance and reliability, with a willingness to assist wherever needed.
• Comfort with cross-training and working in multiple kitchen areas to support operational needs.
• Ability to pass a background check as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a line cook, prep cook, or chef in a large-volume setting.
• Experience in hospital or healthcare food service and patient meal delivery.
• Familiarity with inventory control processes and stock rotation.
• Experience in hospitality or customer-facing food service roles.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation best practices, including proper food handling and storage.
• Comfort working across multiple shifts and supporting vacation and staffing relief.
• Interest in long-term employment with potential for direct hire based on performance and business needs.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, mission-driven environment where your work directly supports patient care and guest satisfaction. After completing 520 hours, you have the opportunity for contract-to-hire consideration, creating a clear path toward long-term employment. The organization offers opportunities to cross-train in multiple kitchen areas, helping you broaden your skills and advance your career in food service. You will work with a supportive team t