Hospital Kitchen Cook – Nutritious Meals & Diet Support

Laurellwood Post-Acute and Rehab; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Laurellwood Post-Acute and Rehab is seeking a cook to prepare meals according to planned menus and dietary requirements. The role ensures palatable, properly portioned meals are served on schedule and maintained to sanitation standards.

You will work with the Food Services Director, dietary staff, and nursing to coordinate diets, safety, and inventory while following HIPAA rules and facility policies. Experience in healthcare food service is preferred, and the environment is a hospital-like care

Qualifications

• Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.
• Must be able to understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must be knowledgeable of food procedures.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of assigned duties.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing food practices.

Responsibilities

• Review menus prior to preparation of food.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submit to the Food Services Director.
• Coordinate food service with other departments as necessary.
• Work with the Facility’s dietitian and implement recommended changes as required.
• Ensure that all food procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
• Assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of Cook.
• Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
• Must adhere to all HIPAA requirements.
• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus.
• Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare and provide bedtime snacks.
• Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident’s meal tray.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.
• Assist in serving meals and on a timely basis.
• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc.
• Prepare food in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as our established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel.
• Follow established Infection Control Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Assist and direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained.
• Report all hazardous conditions or equipment to the Food Services Director immediately.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
• Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood or body fluids.
• Report missing or illegible labels or MSDSs to the Food Services Director.
• Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc., as necessary.
• Recommend to the Food Services Director the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Works in well-lighted ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.
• Is involved with physicians, residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies or personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May be exposed to heat or cold temperatures in kitchen or storage area.

Skills

Cooking in bulk

English proficiency

Independent decision-making

Food procedures

Sanitation & safety

Supply & equipment care

Job description

Laurellwood Post-Acute and Rehab is seeking a cook to prepare meals according to planned menus and dietary requirements. The role ensures palatable, properly portioned meals are served on schedule and maintained to sanitation standards.

You will work with the Food Services Director, dietary staff, and nursing to coordinate diets, safety, and inventory while following HIPAA rules and facility policies. Experience in healthcare food service is preferred, and the environment is a hospital-like care