Hospital Diet Kitchen Cook & Meal Specialist

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Barbourville (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is seeking a hospital cook to prepare, season, and cook meals for patients, staff and visitors. You will determine quantities from menus, ensure timely service, and follow dietary guidelines in collaboration with dietitians and supervisors.

The role requires high school completion and prior hospital food prep experience, with strong English communication and basic computer skills. A team-oriented environment emphasizes safety and cleanliness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in hospital food preparation.
• Able to communicate effectively in English.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to calculate measurements in recipes to increase or decrease servings.

Responsibilities

• Determines types and quantities of meats, vegetables and soups to be prepared by reviewing planned menus.
• Determines amount of foods needed to meet weekly menus and submits order to Nutritional Services Supervisor.
• Ensures meals are ready at specified times.
• Consults with Nutritional Services Supervisor regarding use of left-overs.
• Consults Registered Dietitian on modified diets, as necessary.
• Supervises Nutritional Services workers when washing, trimming or preparing food.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to approved recipes, using blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, etc.
• Makes sauces, soups, stews, casseroles and desserts meeting established dietary guidelines.
• Cooks meat, fish and fowl in a variety of ways such as baking, roasting, broiling and steaming.
• Carves meat, fish and fowl into individual servings according to menu combinations and patient diet orders.
• Tests foods being cooked to ensure doneness. Adjusts heat controls as necessary.
• Improves flavor and texture of food by adding ingredients or seasonings.
• Observes infection prevention and control practices at all times.
• Maintains kitchen in a clean, neat and organized manner.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Job description

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is seeking a hospital cook to prepare, season, and cook meals for patients, staff and visitors. You will determine quantities from menus, ensure timely service, and follow dietary guidelines in collaboration with dietitians and supervisors.

The role requires high school completion and prior hospital food prep experience, with strong English communication and basic computer skills. A team-oriented environment emphasizes safety and cleanliness.