Cook

SUN Behavioral Health; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Health is hiring a hospital cook to prepare, season and cook meals for patients, staff and visitors under the Director of Dietary Services. You will help with inventory and ensure infection control standards are met while keeping the kitchen clean and organized.

You will cook a variety of dishes, supervise staff during food prep, and assist with patient meals, contributing to safe and quality care in a behavioral health setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CPR and hospital de-escalation certification; ServSafe certificate within 3 months.
• Preferred: Some college coursework.
• Committed to ongoing education and development in position.

Responsibilities

• Determine types and quantities of meats, vegetables and soups by reviewing planned menus.
• Submit weekly food orders based on calculated needs.
• Ensure meals are ready at the specified times.
• Supervise staff during washing, trimming or preparing food.
• Cook and prepare meat, fish and fowl using various methods per dietary guidelines.
• Carve and portion meats per menu and patient diet orders.
• Test foods for proper cooking temperatures and seasoning; adjust as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and observe infection control practices.
• Assist in serving patients when necessary.
• Adhere to safety, quality standards and hospital policies.

Skills

Menu planning

Inventory control

Food preparation

Food safety

Dietary modifications

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe certification

CPR certification

De-escalation training

Some college courses

Tools

ServSafe certification

CPR certification

De-escalation training

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Dietary Services, the cook will prepare, season and cook food for hospital patients, staff and visitors. Assists with inventory control practices. Responsible for properly cleaning the kitchen area after every meal and adhering to infection control standards.

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Dietary Services, the cook will prepare, season and cook food for hospital patients, staff and visitors. Assists with inventory control practices. Responsible for properly cleaning the kitchen area after every meal and adhering to infection control standards.

Position Responsibilities

Clinical / Technical Skills

• Determines types and quantities of meats, vegetables and soups to be prepared by reviewing planned menus.
• Determines amount of foods needed to meet weekly menus and submits order to supervisor.
• Ensures meals are ready at specified times
• Consults with supervisor regarding use of leftovers.
• Consults Registered Dietitian on modified diets, as necessary.
• Supervises Food Services Workers when washing, trimming or preparing food.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to approved recipes, using blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, etc.
• Makes sauces, soups, stews, casseroles and desserts meeting established dietary guidelines.
• Cooks meat, fish and fowl in a variety of ways such as baking, roasting, broiling and steaming.
• Carves meat, fish and fowl into individual servings according to menu combinations and patient diet orders.
• Tests foods being cooked to ensure proper cooking temperatures. Adjusts heat controls as necessary.
• Tests foods being cooked for balanced seasoning and taste. Adjusts heat controls as necessary.
• Improves flavor and texture of food by adding ingredients or seasonings.
• Observes infection prevention and control practices at all times.
• Maintains kitchen in a clean, neat and organized manner.
• Assists in serving patients, when necessary.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality
• Work with the supervisor to ensure all food service staff are trained on fire suppression and other PPE protection as required by the staffs job duties
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Qualifications

Education

• Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification. A current ServSafe certificate within 3 months of hire
• Preferred: Some college courses
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience

• Required: Three years of experience in a food service line or restaurant setting
• Preferred: One year in a hospital dietary department. Previous experience in a behavioral health setting