Cook, Full Time, Variable

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values 

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

At Samaritan Healthcare we are dedicated to providing healthcare services to the community that we serve. We are committed to providing the very best work environment for our professionals and the very best care to our patients. The Cook is responsible for the preparation of foods and departmental support for patients, personnel, and visitors. The Cook is responsible for maintaining high standards of quality food production and portion control, using standard recipes and for preparing the appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. The individual in this position will be required to fully understand the purpose and operation of Nutrition Services along with having the ability to make decisions based on sound judgment when a situation dictates.

This is a full-time position working 40 hours a week; from hours 5:00am-7:30pm and rotating weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The individual in this position reports to the Nutrition Services Director. This position works closely with Executive Chef, Food Preparers, Diet Technicians, and Dietitians in order to prepare sufficient quantities and quality of foods for patients, staff, and visitors. Under the guidance of the Executive Chef, works to uphold the high quality standards of food service for patients and customers.  

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES (not limited to):

• Prepares or directs preparation of all foods, indicated on menus, provided for patients, catering and cafeteria food service, using standardized recipes based on standard portion size directed by Executive Chef.
• Prepares food production schedules, meets serving line deadline.
• Estimates food requirements and controls serving portions, minimizing waste and leftovers; yet sufficiently covers amount needed on cafeteria line.
• Collaborating with Executive Chef to standardize and develop new recipes.
• Records temperatures of foods served to patients and records daily temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers.
• Ensures that all foods prepared meets quality standards for freshness, taste, and appearance.
• Uses proper food handling techniques to minimize cross contamination.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.
• Checks equipment and cooking area often to make sure safety and sanitation requirements are met.  Reports repair and maintenance needs to Leadership.
• Cleans equipment, worktables, ranges, utensils, pots and pans, using proper techniques and cleaning solution.
• Ensures that required county, state and federal safe food handling and sanitary levels are maintained throughout the food preparation process.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies.  This includes, but is not limited to:  security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, safe lifting and body mechanics.
• Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
• Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization’s values.
• Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education:
  1. High school diploma or GED.
• License:
  1. Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit.
• Experience:
  1. Two years of cooking experience in a commercial kitchen.
• Skills/Competencies:
  1. Knowledge of cooking methods/procedures, including types of preparation and related routines.
  2. Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.
  3. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
  4. Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making.  Practices within legal and ethical guidelines. 
  5. Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs).
• Frequent prolonged standing/walking.
• Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies.
• Considerable reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, and crouching.
• Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.

As a Samaritan Healthcare professional, you will be asked to carry out the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy of Samaritan Healthcare, personifying service and operational excellence including the creation and maintenance of the best patient, professional, physician, and student experience.