Hospital Kitchen Chef: Nutrition-Driven Meal Prep

Optim Health; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Optim Health is seeking a full-time Cook to prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors in line with physician orders and hospital standards.

You will follow standardized recipes, ensure safe food handling, and support tray line operations in a fast-paced hospital kitchen environment. Strong teamwork, adherence to dietary guidelines, and HIPAA compliance are essential.

Qualifications

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

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.

Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Dietary Guidelines

Team Collaboration

Customer Service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

Optim Health is seeking a full-time Cook to prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors in line with physician orders and hospital standards.

You will follow standardized recipes, ensure safe food handling, and support tray line operations in a fast-paced hospital kitchen environment. Strong teamwork, adherence to dietary guidelines, and HIPAA compliance are essential.