Cook

Title: Cook Inpatient Dietary Services
Location: Irvine CA 92618
Duration: 3 Months Possible Extensions
Schedule: Full-Time 40 Hours/Week
Shift: Open Availability Required (All Shifts Weekends and Holidays)
XXXX: XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX/hr. (Based on Experience)

Position Overview

Seeking a dedicated and customer-focused Cook to join its Inpatient Dietary Services team. This role is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality meals for patients visitors cafeteria operations catering services and childcare programs while maintaining the highest standards of food safety sanitation and customer service.

The ideal candidate will possess strong food preparation skills knowledge of food production and safety practices and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Production

• Prepare meals according to standardized recipes production sheets and portion control guidelines.
• Ensure food quality consistency presentation and temperature standards are maintained.
• Support patient meal services cafeteria operations catering events and childcare food preparation.
• Perform food production tasks including cooking portioning serving and plating meals.
• Minimize food waste and contribute to department financial stewardship initiatives.

Food Service Operations

• Transport food and supplies to designated service areas.
• Assist with catering setup service and breakdown activities.
• Bus dishes replenish food stations and maintain service readiness.
• Store issue and rotate food products according to regulatory guidelines.
• Perform cashiering duties when assigned.

Food Safety & Quality

• Maintain sanitation standards for food preparation areas equipment utensils and work surfaces.
• Follow all food storage handling labeling and temperature monitoring requirements.
• Complete Quality Control (QC) forms and preventive maintenance logs.
• Adhere to departmental policies procedures and food safety regulations.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer service to patients visitors and staff.
• Respond professionally to customer requests and concerns.
• Promote a positive dining experience through quality food and service.

Team Collaboration

• Work effectively with dietary staff supervisors chefs and hospital personnel.
• Maintain professionalism in communication appearance and conduct.
• Support departmental goals and hospital mission vision and values.
• Travel between locations and affiliates as required.

Cook Lead Responsibilities (If Assigned)

In addition to Cook responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate daily activities of food service personnel during assigned shifts.
• Support food production scheduling and workflow management.
• Assist with staff delegation and operational oversight.
• Coordinate food service operations in collaboration with:
  • Executive Chef
  • Executive Sous Chef
  • Retail Operations Manager
  • Manager Food & Clinical Operations
  • Patient Food Operations Supervisor
  • Retail Food Operations Supervisor
• Assist with problem identification and resolution during management absences.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read write and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to read and follow written recipes and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Knowledge of food preparation food production and food service operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain food safety and sanitation standards.

Required Skills

• Cooking
• Food Production
• Food Safety
• Food Quality Assurance
• Portion Control
• Food Service Operations
• Customer Service
• Inventory & Supply Management
• Team Collaboration
• Quality Control Documentation

Preferred Experience

• Hospital Food Service
• Healthcare Dietary Services
• Cafeteria Operations
• Catering Services
• Institutional Cooking
• Patient Meal Preparation
• Commercial Kitchen Operations

Work Environment

• Fast-paced healthcare dietary environment.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Exposure to kitchen equipment food preparation areas and service environments.
• Weekend holiday and flexible shift availability required.