Cook (FT) - Reidsville, GA

Optim; Reidsville (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Optim in Reidsville, GA is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with physician orders and hospital standards.

The role requires following therapeutic diets, maintaining food safety, sanitation, and infection control, and working safely in a fast-paced hospital kitchen. Shift may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and portion food items according to recipes and schedules.
• Follow physician-prescribed diets including therapeutic diets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Maintain proper food temperatures, labeling, and storage practices.
• Assist with tray line operations and patient meal service.
• Taste, test, and evaluate food quality before service.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely (ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, kettles).
• Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisor of shortages.
• Follow allergy awareness and special dietary restriction protocols.
• Adhere to HIPAA confidentiality standards.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety

Follow recipes

Time management

Team player

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Healthcare kitchen experience

Job description

Full-time Regular Reidsville, GA, US

2 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