Cook (PRN - as needed)

Do you enjoy creating delicious, nutritious meals in a fast-paced healthcare environment? Join the Dietary team at Uvalde Memorial Hospital as a Cook and play a vital role in nourishing patients, visitors, and staff. From preparing meals that meet therapeutic dietary standards to ensuring food safety and kitchen cleanliness, your culinary skills will contribute directly to our mission of quality care. If you’re passionate about food service and thrive in a team setting, apply today!

JOB SUMMARY: The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving food items in accordance with UMH standards, therapeutic dietary guidelines, and regulatory food safety requirements. This includes hot food preparation, cold prep, baking, catering, and kitchen sanitation. The Cook maintains inventory, assists with deliveries, and ensures timely meal service to patients, visitors, and staff. This is a non-exempt position that reports directly to the Dietary Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Food Preparation and Cooking:

• • Prepare all food items using UMH recipes and designated production quantities.
  • Cook meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, stews, casseroles, and baked goods according to dietary guidelines.
  • Portion and plate meals in accordance with menu combinations and patient diet orders.
  • Test food items for proper cooking temperature and flavor, adjusting as needed.
  • Label and date all food products in compliance with food safety standards.

2. Kitchen Operations and Sanitation:

• • • Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout the shift.
    • Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules and closing procedures.
    • Wash and sanitize all pots, pans, utensils, and equipment parts using a 3-compartment sink.
    • Follow proper procedures for receiving, labeling, and storing food and supplies.
    • Maintain temperature logs and other HACCP documentation.

3.Collaboration and Service:

• • Coordinate with the Clinical Dietitian on modified diets and patient needs.
  • Work alongside kitchen staff to ensure meals are served on time.
  • Support catering and special event meal preparation as needed.
  • Assist management in activities conducive to smooth kitchen operations.

4. Other Duties:

• • • Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• • Highschool diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience:
• • Previous experience in healthcare or institutional food preparation preferred.
• Certification:
• • Food Handler’s Certification required.
• Skills:
• • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Basic computer knowledge required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Functional Job Requirements:

Job requirements include, but are not limited to: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching. Requires good finger dexterity, repetitive motions with hands and fingers.  Requires ability to have good vision and hearing. Pushing and pulling equipment may be necessary. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with additional languages preferred.

Lifting Requirements

Job requires heavy lifting on an occasional basis.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising the job duties.