Head Cook

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, IA is seeking a Nutrition Services Head Cook to oversee daily food production and patient meal service. This leadership role requires solid experience in food preparation and the ability to manage rotating weekends in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

Responsibilities include coordinating meal service, ensuring diet orders are met, and maintaining sanitation standards.

Qualifications

• Background in food preparation required.
• Leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays.
• Experience in a healthcare kitchen or similar setting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and carry out daily food production activities.
• Ensure patient meals follow diet orders and room service requests.
• Prepare menu items using approved cycle menus and recipes.
• Coordinate meal service operations to meet patient and customer needs.
• Prepare and serve meals for The Junction.
• Oversee dishwashing and sanitation processes, including three-compartment sink.
• Assist with Meals on Wheels preparation and delivery.
• Complete cleaning and sanitation tasks throughout the department.
• Assist with catering events and food service coordination.
• Operate the cash register and assist customers as needed.
• Assist Director in coordinating department workflow during absences.
• Lead daily department huddles and adjust staffing as needed.
• Perform other duties to support patient and department needs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Food preparation

Rotating weekends availability

Fast-paced environment adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification preferred; after hire if not certified

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Stewart Memorial Community Hospital - Lake City - Lake City, IA 51449

FULL-TIME OPENING

Nutrition Services Head Cook

36-40 hours/week

Occasional weekends and rotating holidays

Location: Lake City, IA

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and carry out daily food production activities.


• Ensure patient meals are prepared according to diet orders and room service requests.


• Prepare menu items utilizing approved cycle menus and standardized recipes.


• Coordinate meal service operations to ensure patient and customer needs are met.


• Prepare and serve meals for The Junction.


• Oversee and participate in dishwashing and sanitation processes, including operation of the three-compartment sink.


• Assist with Meals on Wheels preparation and delivery.


• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation tasks throughout the department.


• Assist with catering events, including food preparation and coordination of food service.


• Operate the cash register and assist customers as needed.


• In the absence of the Director, help coordinate department workflow and direct team activities to ensure shift responsibilities are completed.


• Lead daily department huddles and assist with adjusting staffing assignments as needed.


• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient and department needs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Background in food preparation required.


• Leadership experience preferred.


• High School Diploma or GED required.


• ServSafe Certification preferred; must obtain after hire if not currently certified.


• Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics and all affiliated organizations is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual.