Cook

Beacon Health System; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a cook to prepare and cook nutritious meals for hospital patients, staff and special events. You will stock the service areas, follow recipes and production sheets, and ensure timely, accurate portions in a clean, safe kitchen environment.

You will work with the dietary team to maintain HACCP compliance, participate in training, and support daily department goals while delivering high-quality food service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; experience in quantity food preparation is favored.
• Ability to read recipes and perform simple math calculations.
• Knowledge of food production techniques and kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food for hospital patients, staff and catered events.
• Stock service areas and ensure correct portions and timely production.
• Maintain sanitation and follow Health Department guidelines and HACCP.
• Reads and follows production sheets and recipes; reports shortages promptly.
• Assist in training and orienting new staff as requested.

Skills

Read recipes

Mathematical calculations

Food production techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Reports to the Manager. Prepares and cooks food for Hospital patients, staff members and for hospital catered events and meetings.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Preparation/Stocking

• Preps food for and stocks food for service area.
• Checks to make sure next day's stock items are placed into the designated storage areas.
• Labels and dates all items for easy identification.
• Utilizes leftovers when appropriate.
• Checks freezer for items before requisitioning.
• Makes decisions and take responsibility for own actions.

Training and Education

• Orients new staff to work areas on request.
• Attends in-house Continuing Education Seminars.
• Helps to develop training programs that will benefit the department.

Safety and Sanitation

• Keeps work area clean and sanitary: "Clean As You Go."
• Maintains rags in a sanitizing solution.
• Completes equipment cleaning check list as assigned.
• Follows Health Department Guidelines when handling food.
• Keeps apron and uniform clean and in good repair.
• Follows HACCP guidelines.
• Operates equipment and performs job duties in a safe manner.
• Keeps potentially hazardous food items at appropriate temperatures while preparing and holding.
• Reports safety hazards to appropriate supervisors.
• Follows Health Department guidelines when handling food.
• Expedites orders and coordinates timing of food from multiple line areas.

Cooking

• Uses and understands standardized recipes.
• Produces correct amount of food as stated on the production sheet.
• Meets set time schedules; requests assistance if needed.
• Batch cooks when appropriate.
• Coordinates equipment usage with co-workers.
• Completes and turns in production sheets daily.
• Anticipates needs for the day.
• Checks to ensure needed items are available.
• Reports shortages in a timely manner.
• Monitors usage on serving lines to prevent running out of items.
• Offers appropriate substitutes if needed.
• Checks out with Chef or manager to ensure that problems are solved.
• Has knowledge of how food is produced and the ability to issue a quality finished product.
• Reads and produces food on demand by ticket system.
• Produces small batches only during peak periods and cooks to order as much as possible.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education And Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Must be a minimum of 17 years of age. A minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in quantity food preparation is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to read recipes, simple mathematical calculations Knowledge of food production techniques and equipment.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to extreme heat and cold from ovens and freezers

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting, walking, and standing.