Cook

ALIYA Healthcare Consulting; Palos Heights (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

ALIYA Healthcare Consulting is seeking a Cook for a healthcare setting in Palos Heights, IL. The role involves preparing nutritious meals according to menus and dietary requirements, ensuring safety, quality, and timely service.

You will work with the Dietary Manager and Dietitian to support residents’ nutritional needs and well‑being. The position requires experience in quantity cooking, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to manage kitchen tasks in a busy healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper storage practices.
• Ability to read, follow recipes, and measure ingredients.
• Ability to work with a healthcare team and residents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, season, and cook a variety of foods according to recipes.
• Prepare food in quantities to meet daily meal service requirements.
• Coordinate food preparation to ensure meals are served on schedule.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen and proper equipment care.
• Provide direction to Food Service Workers and ensure safe food handling.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Position Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious meals in accordance with established menus, standardized recipes, dietary requirements, and applicable health and safety regulations. This position ensures that meals are prepared in appropriate quantities, presented attractively, served according to schedule, and prepared in a clean and sanitary environment.

The Cook works collaboratively with the Dietary Manager, Dietitian, and Food Service team to support the nutritional needs and overall well‑being of residents.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare, season, and cook a variety of foods, including meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, soups, desserts, casseroles, and modified-diet meals, according to standardized recipes.
• Prepare food in sufficient quantities to meet daily meal service requirements.
• Coordinate food preparation to ensure meals are ready and served according to established schedules.
• Estimate food quantities and use ingredients and leftovers appropriately to minimize waste.
• Ensure meals are attractively presented and appealing in taste and appearance.
• Properly handle, store, label, refrigerate, and maintain food items in accordance with food safety standards.
• Adjust and standardize recipes and determine appropriate portion sizes and quantities.
• Complete daily requisitions for food and dietary supplies as needed.
• Provide direction and instruction to Food Service Workers regarding food preparation, cleaning, and kitchen procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area and ensure proper care of kitchen equipment.
• Submit maintenance requests for kitchen equipment as needed.
• Communicate with the Dietary Manager and Dietitian regarding meal preparation, dietary needs, and overall kitchen operations.
• Follow all Dietary Department policies, procedures, and established standards.
• Prepare and serve modified diets in accordance with resident care plans and dietary requirements.
• Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, facility policies, infection control standards, and departmental safety procedures.
• Promote a professional, respectful, and team-oriented environment.

Supervision

Supervision Exercised

Provides functional direction and instruction to Food Service Workers.

Supervision Received

Reports to and receives direction from the Dietary Manager.

Qualifications

• Previous experience preparing food in quantity, preferably in a healthcare, skilled nursing, residential, or institutional food service setting.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience is preferred.
• Ability to prepare a variety of meals in large quantities while following standardized recipes and established meal schedules.
• Ability to prepare meals that meet modified-diet and special dietary requirements.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, food safety, and proper food storage practices.
• Knowledge of the operation and care of commercial and large‑quantity food service equipment.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to measure ingredients, adjust recipes, and calculate portions.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic calculations, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to effectively direct and instruct kitchen staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting meal service deadlines.
• Ability to work cooperatively with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Professional appearance and a high standard of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Reliable and punctual attendance is required.
• Must meet applicable background screening requirements, including no disqualifying convictions related to abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of property.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

The successful applicant should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of food sanitation and safety practices.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to prepare nutritious and appealing meals in large quantities.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, dietary instructions, and meal schedules accurately.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast‑paced healthcare environment.
• Ability to respond appropriately to interruptions, multiple priorities, and time‑sensitive meal service requirements.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the physical ability to perform essential kitchen and food service duties throughout an eight‑hour workday. Physical demands may include:

• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, crouching, kneeling, and balancing.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull food, supplies, equipment, and containers as required.
• Ability to reach above shoulder level as necessary to access kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Ability to work safely in a commercial kitchen environment, including exposure to heat, noise, wet floors, and other typical kitchen conditions.
• Ability to perform duties while maintaining appropriate sanitation, safety, and infection‑control practices.

Equal Opportunity

Aliya of Crestwood is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace and to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.