Dietary Cook & Aide - Behavioral Hospital

Perimeter Healthcare; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Supplemental insurance options

Job summary

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington seeks a dedicated Dietary Cook/Aide to prepare and serve nutritious meals, follow dietary guidelines, and maintain high food safety standards in our inpatient environment.

Located in Arlington, Texas, we provide compassionate behavioral health care for children, adolescents and adults, with comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities in a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Food Handler Certification current.
• BLS certification current or obtainable during orientation.
• Handle with Care (HWC) certification current or obtainable during orientation.
• Minimum one year of healthcare/ hospital/ behavioral health food service experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and beverages according to approved menus and production schedules.
• Serve nutritious meals while following dietary guidelines and sanitation standards.
• Prepare therapeutic and modified diets as prescribed.
• Follow all food safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and dish machines and log results.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, dining areas, and storerooms.
• Label, store, and rotate food products per procedures.
• Adhere to portion control and assist in reducing food waste.
• Support patients during meal service and assist with appropriate selections.
• Wash dishes, clean equipment, and support additional department tasks.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and team-oriented environment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team player

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Cook with Purpose. Serve with Compassion. Make a Difference Every Day.

At Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington, we believe healing begins with compassionate care, and that includes providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support the physical and emotional well‑being of our patients.

We are seeking a dedicated Dietary Cook/Aide to join our team and play a vital role in creating a positive patient experience. If you enjoy preparing meals, take pride in maintaining high food safety standards, and want to be part of a mission‑driven healthcare organization, we'd love to meet you.

Located in Arlington, Texas, Perimeter Behavioral Hospital provides specialized inpatient psychiatric treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Our team is committed to delivering hope, healing, and recovery in a safe and supportive environment.

What You’ll Do

As a Dietary Cook/Aide, you will prepare and serve nutritious meals while ensuring compliance with dietary guidelines, food safety standards, and sanitation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and beverages according to approved menus, recipes, and production schedules.
• Ensure food is prepared, presented, and served in an appealing and timely manner.
• Prepare therapeutic and modified diets as prescribed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, infection control, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor and record food service equipment temperatures, including refrigerators, freezers, and dish machines.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen, dining room, food storage areas, and dish room.
• Properly label, store, and rotate food products using established procedures.
• Follow portion control guidelines and assist with minimizing food waste.
• Support patients during meal service and encourage appropriate food selections when needed.
• Wash dishes, clean equipment, and assist with additional departmental duties as assigned.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and team‑oriented environment for patients and coworkers.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Current Food Handler Certification.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or able to obtain during new employee orientation.
• Current Handle with Care (HWC) certification or able to obtain during new employee orientation.
• Minimum one (1) year of food service experience, preferably in a healthcare, hospital, behavioral health, or institutional setting.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of food preparation techniques and therapeutic diets.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Dependable, team‑oriented, and compassionate approach to patient care.

Why Join Perimeter Behavioral Hospital?

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Supplemental insurance options

Professional Growth Opportunities

• Ongoing training and development
• Career advancement within a growing healthcare organization
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture

Meaningful Work

Every meal you prepare contributes to the recovery journey of our patients. Join a team where your work truly matters and where you can make a lasting impact on the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families receiving behavioral healthcare services.

Together, we create a healthier future through compassion, dignity, and excellence in care!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Arlington is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.We welcome qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #INDARL