Hospital Kitchen Chef — Nutritious Patient Meals

Optim Health; Georgia; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Optim Health in Reidsville, GA is a hospital cook role focused on preparing nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with physician orders and safety standards. The position emphasizes following therapeutic diets, accurate portioning, and maintaining high sanitation and food safety practices in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities include safe temperature control, tray-line support, inventory checks, HIPAA compliance, and teamwork with clinical staff to support patient

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Healthcare or institutional kitchen experience preferred.
• Food safety certification preferred (Food Handler’s Permit or ServSafe).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and portion meals according to recipes and production schedules.
• Follow physician diets, including therapeutic, modified, and texture-altered diets.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and infection control per 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 safely (ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, kettles)
• Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisor of shortages.
• Follow allergy awareness and dietary restriction protocols.
• Adhere to HIPAA confidentiality standards when interacting with patients.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety

Sanitation practices

Follow recipes

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Food Handler’s Permit

Job description

Optim Health in Reidsville, GA is a hospital cook role focused on preparing nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with physician orders and safety standards. The position emphasizes following therapeutic diets, accurate portioning, and maintaining high sanitation and food safety practices in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities include safe temperature control, tray-line support, inventory checks, HIPAA compliance, and teamwork with clinical staff to support patient