Lead Cook

Forefronthealthcare; Montana; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to elevating the patient experience through high-quality culinary services. As a Lead Cook, you will play a vital role in preparing nutritious meals in a supportive environment. With a focus on teamwork and excellence, this position offers the chance to work in a vibrant community while honing your culinary skills. Enjoy the benefits of a full-time role, including comprehensive medical coverage and paid time off. If you are passionate about food and service, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Vacation and Sick Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Program

Qualifications

• 2+ years of food prep and service experience required.
• Must obtain ServSafe certification within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals following established recipes and portion control.
• Ensure food safety and proper handling procedures are followed.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Basic food preparation knowledge

Sanitation and safety practices

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Forefront Healthcare is unique, experienced, and specialized in serving the continuum of care. With finely tailored, high-quality culinary and support services, Forefront helps its partners elevate the patient and resident experience.

Job Description

Come elevate your career with our company that has won the #1 "Best places to work by Modern Healthcare!"

You will be joining a company that will elevate your career to new heights!

Forefront is currently seeking a Full-Time Lead Cook to join our culinary team supporting a critical access hospital in Big Timber, MT. Big Timber is a vibrant small town, an hour from Bozeman and Billings, located in a beautiful valley along the Yellowstone River, between three mountain ranges, just north of Yellowstone National Park.

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits! (FT only)
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and 6 Paid Holidays! (FT only)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program

Pay Range: $17.00-$20.00

Summary/Objective:

Responsible for preparing nutritious and appetizing food for residents, following established recipes, and adhering to federal, state, and local standards and guidelines for proper food storage, handling, and preparation. Must be able to work in a high-pressure environment, independently and as part of a team.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare meals according to planned menus.
• Serve food following established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food using standardized recipes and accommodate special requests.
• Ensure food is prepared at proper temperatures; complete associated checklists and logs.
• Assist with inventory management and receiving goods from vendors.
• Coordinate menus or special requests with the Executive Chef/Cottage Manager/Chef Manager.
• Adapt schedule as necessary for emergency situations.
• Follow safe food handling policies, including glove use.
• Assist with daily or scheduled cleaning duties per policies and procedures.
• Adhere to therapeutic and mechanically altered diet extensions.

Other Duties:

This job description is not exhaustive; duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Customer service orientation
• Basic food preparation knowledge
• Sanitation and safety practices
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Time management skills

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Ability to coach and lead peers in the kitchen.

Physical Demands:

• Stand and walk continuously during shifts.
• Reaching, stooping, bending, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and manipulating food and equipment.
• Visual acuity for examining foods.
• Ability to work with chemicals and handle temperature/humidity changes.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Hourly position, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Required Education and Experience:

• HS Diploma or GED
• Minimum 2 years of food prep and service experience
• ServSafe certification (must obtain within 3 months if not already certified)
• Knowledge of food safety regulations
• Proven integrity and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and able to multitask under pressure

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Effective communication skills
• Numerical ability for record keeping and recipe calculations
• Manual dexterity for food prep and equipment use
• Willingness to perform routine tasks and handle food carefully
• Ability to follow recipes, diet orders, and work flexible hours
• Patience and tolerance towards staff, residents, and families

Additional Information

AAP/EEO Statement: Forefront Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.