Cook (FT) - Reidsville, GA

Optim Health; Georgia; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Optim Health in Reidsville, GA is a hospital cook role focused on preparing nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with physician orders and safety standards. The position emphasizes following therapeutic diets, accurate portioning, and maintaining high sanitation and food safety practices in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities include safe temperature control, tray-line support, inventory checks, HIPAA compliance, and teamwork with clinical staff to support patient

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Healthcare or institutional kitchen experience preferred.
• Food safety certification preferred (Food Handler’s Permit or ServSafe).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and portion meals according to recipes and production schedules.
• Follow physician diets, including therapeutic, modified, and texture-altered diets.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and infection control per standards (FDA Food Code, HACCP, Joint Commission).
• Maintain proper food temperatures, labeling, and storage practices.
• Assist with tray line operations and patient meal service as assigned.
• Taste, test, and evaluate food quality before service.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely (ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, kettles)
• Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisor of shortages.
• Follow allergy awareness and dietary restriction protocols.
• Adhere to HIPAA confidentiality standards when interacting with patients.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety

Sanitation practices

Follow recipes

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Food Handler’s Permit

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-time Regular Reidsville, GA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 2758

Job Summary:

The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with physician-ordered diets, food safety regulations, and hospital standards. This role supports patient care by ensuring meals are safe, timely, and meet therapeutic and nutritional requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare, cook, and portion food items according to standardized recipes and production schedules
• Follow physician-prescribed diets including therapeutic, modified, and texture-altered diets
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards (FDA Food Code, HACCP, Joint Commission)
• Maintain proper food temperatures, labeling, and storage practices
• Assist with tray line operations and patient meal service as assigned
• Taste, test, and evaluate food quality before service
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas
• Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, and kettles safely
• Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisor of shortages
• Follow allergy awareness and special dietary restriction protocols
• Adhere to HIPAA confidentiality standards when interacting with patients

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Previous cooking experience in healthcare, institutional, or commercial kitchens preferred

Certifications (Preferred or Required per Facility):

• Food Handler’s Permit or ServSafe Certification

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety, and sanitation practices
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary guidelines accurately
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Customer service skills with sensitivity to patient needs

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40–50 pounds
• Ability to work in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments

Work Schedule:

• May include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compliance & Safety:

• Compliance with hospital policies, infection control practices, and OSHA regulations
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Adherence to patient confidentiality and privacy standards

Performance Standards:

• Prepares meals that meet quality, safety, and nutritional standards
• Demonstrates consistency, reliability, and professionalism
• Contributes to patient satisfaction and overall hospital service excellence