Cook 2

Mercy Health System; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

FSA/HSA

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Job summary

Mercyhealth Freeport Hospital in Freeport, IL is hiring a Cook 2 to prepare meals from scratch, follow recipes, and ensure food quality and safety. The role requires knife skills, proper sanitation, and the ability to work both on a team and independently.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and relevant cooking experience; certification in food safety is required within 90 days. This is a full-time position offering comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One year of experience as a cook or two years in food service preferred.
• State Food Safety Sanitation Certification required within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Determines food items and prepares them for service.
• Prepares appetizing dishes from scratch and cooks to order.
• Reads and follows standardized recipes; uses various cooking methods.
• Maintains proper food temperatures and sanitation logs.
• Dishes meals, portions, and handles dishwashing as needed.

Skills

Knife skills

Recipe reading

Customer service

Teamwork

Sanitation practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary program preferred

Job description

Cook 2 - Mercyhealth Logo### Cook 2Apply: Mercyhealth Freeport Hospital - Freeport, IL: Full time: Posted Today: 2026-03562**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*** Determines food items and prepares them for service* Is able to prepare food from scratch that is appetizing and appealing* Ability to execute culinary knife skills* Reads and follows standardized recipes* Cooks and/or prepares food in quantities according to menu, par level and number of persons to be served* Cooks to order* Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently.* Dishes meals* Orders supplies* Maintains proper food temperature log sheets* Maintain proper cooking/quick chill log sheets* Portions and dishes food on plate according diet ticket. Weighs items when necessary* Performs dishwashing as necessary* Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling etc.)* Maintains a clean and sanitized work area, tables, counter, cabinets, ovens, and other kitchen equipment utilizing proper sanitation techniques* Adheres to department safety and sanitation regulations* Use protective barriers (gloves, apron, proper hair covering)* Excellent customer service skills needed* Works well on a team and on their own**EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE**High school diploma or equivalent preferred. One year of experience as a cook or two years of experience in food service department preferred. Graduate of vocational school, or culinary program preferred.**CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE**State Food Safety Sanitation Certification per department requirements required within 90 days**OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES** Excellent interpersonal / communication skills Full knowledge of kitchen equipment Able to perform mathematical calculations **Language Skills** Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization Ability to communicate with others in a positive manner **Mathematical Skills** Ability to add, subtract divide and multiply all numbers Ability to perform these operations using units of American money, weight measurements and volume **Reasoning Ability** Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions. Ability to deal with problems. **Computer Skills** Basic computer knowledge needed**LEVEL OF SUPERVISION**Work is performed according to specific procedures and methods, but must be able to make decisions in order to adapt to routine situations.**SUPERVISES**N/A**PAY RANGE:**$17.23 - $24.98Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:* Medical, Dental, Vision* Life & Disability Insurance* FSA/HSA Options* Generous, accruing paid time off* Paid Parental and caregiver leave* Career advancement and educational opportunities* Tuition and certification reimbursement* Certification Reimbursement* Well-being Programs* Employee Discounts* On-Demand Pay* Financial Education* Annual recognition/awards events* Partner appreciation days* Family entertainment/attractions discount* Community service/improvement opportunitiesClick here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.