Cook

Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital & Medical Center; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercyhealth in Crystal Lake is seeking a cook to prepare meals according to menus and recipes, ensuring quality and presentation. The role requires strong knife skills, the ability to work quickly in a fast-paced kitchen, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.

You'll maintain temperature logs, handle weekly par levels, and contribute to a collaborative team focused on patient and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One year of experience as a cook or two years of experience in food service department preferred.
• Graduate of vocational school, or culinary program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determines food items and prepares them for service.
• Is able to prepare food from scratch that is appetizing and appealing.
• Ability to execute culinary knife skills.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes.
• Cooks and/or prepares food in quantities according to menu, par level and number of persons to be served.
• Cooks to order.
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently.
• Dishes meals.
• Maintains proper food temperature log sheets.
• Adheres to department safety and sanitation regulations.
• Excellent customer service skills needed.

Skills

Food preparation

Kitchen safety

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary program preferred

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Overview Performs daily kitchen duties to provide a safe, clean, and sanitized environment for our patients, residents, customers, and partners with quality service in mind. Prepares and plans foods according to menu, order, diet, and standardized recipe and portion control. Prepares food to be palatable appetizing and attractive. Utilizes leftovers avoiding waste. Properly labels and dates food products for storage. Maintains a clean and sanitized work area. May be required to work overtime and alternate shifts. Has the ability to work in a fast paced environment. Performs other duties as assigned. Schedule:: Full Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Determines food items and prepares them for service

Is able to prepare food from scratch that is appetizing and appealing

Ability to execute culinary knife skills

Reads and follows standardized recipes

Cooks and/or prepares food in quantities according to menu, par level and number of persons to be served

Cooks to order

Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently.

Dishes meals

Orders supplies

Maintains proper food temperature log sheets

Maintain proper cooking/quick chill log sheets

Portions and dishes food on plate according diet ticket. Weighs items when necessary

Performs dishwashing as necessary

Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling etc.)

Maintains a clean and sanitized work area, tables, counter, cabinets, ovens, and other kitchen equipment utilizing proper sanitation techniques

Adheres to department safety and sanitation regulations

Use protective barriers (gloves, apron, proper hair covering)

Excellent customer service skills needed

Works well on a team and on their own

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. One year of experience as a cook or two years of experience in food service department preferred. Graduate of vocational school, or culinary program preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

State Food Safety Sanitation Certification per department requirements required within 90 days

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent interpersonal / communication skills

Full knowledge of kitchen equipment

Able to perform mathematical calculations

Language Skills Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization Ability to communicate with others in a positive manner

Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract divide and multiply all numbers Ability to perform these operations using units of American money, weight measurements and volume

Reasoning Ability Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions. Ability to deal with problems.

Computer Skills Basic computer knowledge needed

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Work is performed according to specific procedures and methods, but must be able to make decisions in order to adapt to routine situations.

SUPERVISES

N/A

PAY RANGE

$17.23 - $24.98

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Life & Disability Insurance FSA/HSA Options Generous, accruing paid time off Paid Parental and caregiver leave Career advancement and educational opportunities Tuition and certification reimbursement Certification Reimbursement Well-being Programs Employee Discounts On-Demand Pay Financial Education Annual recognition/awards events Partner appreciation days Family entertainment/attractions discount Community service/improvement opportunities.

About Mercyhealth

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women For over 135 years, Mercyhealth has provided high-quality health care to residents throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. We have a passion for providing comprehensive health care close to home for area residents through our six hospitals and 85 primary and specialty care locations. As an integrated health system, you can come to us for routine health care, like annual physicals, immunizations and preventive health screenings, as well as highly specialized care, such as neonatal intensive care, heart surgery, stroke care, neurosurgery, cancer treatment and much more. The range of Mercyhealth's specialties and the skills of our doctors, nurses and clinical staff are truly extraordinary.