COOK

Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. in Fort Defiance has a position for a skilled food service worker who prepares meals per menus, uses standardized recipes, and ensures timely production and safe handling of foods.

You will coordinate work, monitor portions, and assist with nutrition education for patients and staff. The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, two years of direct food service experience, and a valid unrestricted driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of direct work experience.
• High School Diploma or Equivalency (HSE).
• Valid, unrestricted insurable driver’s license is required.
• Navajo Nation preference in employment policy applies.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food for complex diets per menus and Nutrition Care Manual.
• Uses standardized recipes at various levels of difficulty and complexity.
• Plans, coordinates, schedules and times work assignments to assure timely preparation and serving.
• Maintains sanitary, safe working environment and follows FIFO on storage.
• Attends mandatory trainings and participates in meal rounds and nutrition education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma/GED or better

Two years direct work experience

Job description

Fort Defiance
Fort Defiance, AZ 86504, USA

Description

CLOSING DATE: 09/14/2026 @ 4:00pm (MST)

Salary Range: $23.52 to 28.69/Hour

**APPLICANT MUST HAVE A VALID, UNRESTRICTED INSURABLE DRIVER’S LICENSE**

** RESUME AND REFERENCES ARE REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares food for complex diets per menus and Nutrition Care Manual.
• Uses standardized recipes at various levels of difficulty and complexity.
• Plans, coordinates, schedules and times work assignments to assure that food items are prepared per schedule and at the proper temperature for serving. Make judgments about recipe modifications needed to meet changes in the number of servings required. Adjusts amounts and proportions of ingredients in recipes while maintaining the original balance between ingredient quantities and the number of portions needed.
• Prepares food as specified on the menu and production sheets. Makes appropriate substitutions, when needed, and notifies supervisor of the outcome. Notifies pertinent personnel of nature of substitution immediately.
• Prepares and presents food in an appealing manner to patients, employees and guests and conforms to established quality standards.
• Tests and evaluates food products. Develops and modifies standardized recipes, with detailed equipment lists. Examines all food for quality and freshness before and during preparation.
• Completes preparation duties for the following day, i.e.: removes meat from freezer according to thawing and preparation requirements, notifies supervisor of ingredients shortage or substitutions to be made. Issues foods from store.
• Assists Lead Cook and Food Service Supervisory Specialist to coordinate and monitor work of lower grade employees at one or more work centers. Reviews menu and standardized recipes with other food service employees to assure that all food items are made and served correctly and on time.
• Serves hot and cold foods for patients and employee tray line utilizing standard portions, and appropriate service utensils.
• Uses established policies and procedures, maintains a sanitary, safe working environment for employees and food production, by using proper personal hygiene and universal precautions to protect self and all who come in contact with products prepared in the department.
• Applies principles of proper storage of foods and supplies using FIFO (first-in, first-out). Including labeling and dating all products received and stored. Notifies supervisor or cook foreman of low stock items.
• Records and maintains data/documents required for CMS/CQI/JCAHO/EPMS and assists with data collection, as needed.
• Completes employee work schedules, as needed.
• Answers phones courteously and documents data for patient diet orders, food preferences and nutrition screening. Takes appropriate action.
• Prepares and delivers work orders to keep equipment and services operating efficiently, with a copy to supervisor.
• Assists with or does physical inventory. May order, receive and check food deliveries using proper procedures as required by the department.
• Documents all substitutions made on the menus, and notify other pertinent parties of the substitutions immediately, following the policies and procedures of the department.
• Attends all mandatory in-services and training, as appropriate and required.
• Participate in meal rounds to discuss food preferences, survey patient satisfaction with food/meal service.
• Assists with nutrition education to individual clients or groups. May be accompanied by dietitian or is provided with written instructions to follow for verbal presentation. May be required to assist with nutritional screening of in-patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MANDATORY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Two (2) years of direct work experience.

Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalency (HSE).

FDIHB and its facilities are located within the Navajo Nation and, in accordance with Navajo Nation law, has implemented a Navajo/Indian Preference in Employment Policy. Pursuant to this Policy, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this position and who are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be given primary preference in hiring and employment for this position and members of other federally-recognized Indian tribes will be given secondary preference. Other candidates will be considered only after all candidates entitled to primary or secondary preference have been fully considered.

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School Diploma/GED or better.

Experience

Required

2 years:

Two (2) years of direct work experience.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.