Cook

United Health Services, Inc.; Town of Walton (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

United Health Services (UHS) in New York State seeks a Cook to support patient meals, cafeteria, and catering. You will follow standardized recipes, ensure food safety, and minimize waste while delivering meals on time with a cooperative team.

Responsibilities include preparing nutritious items, managing therapeutic diets, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. A high school diploma is required; ServSafe certification is preferred and healthcare experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Up to 1 year of direct experience performing the duties.
• Preferred: ServSafe Food Handler certification.
• Healthcare experience in a healthcare environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare safe, nutritious food items for cafeteria, patient meal services, and catering operations according to recipes and production guidelines.
• Prepare therapeutic diets in accordance with prescribed meal plans and dietary requirements.
• Produce hot and cold items, including entrees, soups, sauces, vegetables, starches, and baked goods.
• Perform quality checks on prepared foods for taste, temperature, and appearance.
• Set up cafeteria stations and patient tray lines on time to support service.
• Serve meals on tray lines or in cafeteria settings as needed.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

The Cook at United Health Services (UHS) prepares nutritious, high-quality meals that support patient care, employee well-being, and a positive dining experience. This role contributes to efficient food service operations by following standardized recipes, maintaining food safety standards, and minimizing waste through thoughtful production practices. Working collaboratively with team members, the Cook helps ensure meals are prepared and delivered accurately and on time while supporting cafeteria and tray line service. By maintaining a clean, safe work environment and demonstrating care, reliability, and teamwork, the Cook plays an essential role in creating a welcoming atmosphere where every meal makes a meaningful difference.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Food and Nutrition Services, UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

Primary Work Shift: Day Rotational

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Compensation Range: $19.37 - $28.09 per hour, depending on experience

Job Responsibilities Essential Functions

• Prepare safe, nutritious food items for cafeteria, patient meal services, and catering operations in accordance with standardized recipes and production guidelines to ensure quality, consistency, and waste reduction
• Prepare therapeutic diets in accordance with prescribed meal plans and dietary requirements to support patient nutrition needs and ensure compliance with care standards
• Produce a variety of hot and cold food items, including entrees, soups, sauces, starches, vegetables, and baked goods, to support daily service needs
• Perform quality checks on prepared foods, including taste, temperature, appearance, and aroma, to ensure food service standards are met prior to service
• Set up cafeteria stations and patient tray lines accurately and on time to support efficient meal service operations
• Serve meals on tray lines or in cafeteria settings as needed to support operational needs

Scope and Impact

Record food production quantities and service data to support production planning, historical tracking, and continuous improvement efforts. Utilize leftovers safely and appropriately in accordance with food safety standards to minimize waste and maintain quality. Contribute to daily food service operations through teamwork and collaboration to support timely meal delivery and a positive dining experience.

Compliance and Professional

• Follow all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines and safe food handling procedures, completing required documentation accurately and within established timeframes
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment through routine and detailed cleaning of work areas, equipment, and food preparation spaces
• Complete required training and competency validations within established timelines
• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
• As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks

Additional Expectations

• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs

Position Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Up to 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function

Preferred

• National Restaurant Association ServSafe Food Handler certification
• Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function

Why You’ll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection - to patients, to purpose, to each other - makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection - We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family - We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

Well-Being & Financial Security - From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

Growth That Moves with You - With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

A Place to Call Home - Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers. At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us! United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com. UHS proudly offers benefits to all full‑time employees and part‑time employees who are hired into a regular position of at least 24 hours per week (60% FTE).

Make New Connections

We believe that people—and the connections among them—must remain at the core of everything we do. Whether you're directly caring for patients, supporting our clinical operations, or working to ensure our administrative functions run effectively, your impact will be recognized and appreciated.

Unlock Greater Opportunities

Our commitment to you extends beyond a paycheck. We want you to thrive professionally and personally. Not only will you provide care and support for our patients, but you'll also be cared for, too. While many organizations make this claim, we back it up with action. We take workforce feedback seriously and we continually implement new education initiatives, compensation models, and recognition programs in service of our people.

Proud to be Team UHS

We’re volunteers, coaches, local leaders, parents or grandparents, and mentors. UHS team members can be found at almost every local walk, fundraiser, and sporting event. We promote wellness and health equity within and far beyond our walls.