Assistant Cook

Banner Health is a leading healthcare system recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence in patient care and employee development. The organization has been honored for its dedication to professional growth, wellness benefits, and continuous education, highlighting a strong focus on fostering diversity, promoting work-life balance, and enhancing employee engagement. Banner Health operates several state-of-the-art medical centers, including the University Medical Center Phoenix, a renowned academic medical center committed to coordinated clinical care, expanded research, and training future medical professionals. The Phoenix campus is distinguished by its Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and serves as a hub for groundbreaking medical discoveries through partnerships with prestigious institutions like the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. The campus houses over 730 licensed beds, multiple unique specialty units, and fully integrated multi-specialty clinics, reflecting the organization’s commitment to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services.

The Assistant Cook position within Banner Health's Culinary & Nutrition Department is a crucial role that supports the preparation of nutritious and appealing meals for patients and staff. This position primarily focuses on cold food preparation for grab-and-go items, patient cold side lines, and deli offerings. The role requires versatility, as the Assistant Cook is cross-trained in various positions including salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Working primarily during the evening shift from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with rotating weekends, the Assistant Cook helps ensure that food preparation meets the high standards of quality, safety, and presentation set by Banner Health. This job entails preparing and portioning all cold food items in strict accordance with established recipes and production forecasts, maintaining par levels of food and supplies, ordering or restocking as needed, and checking freshness to uphold food safety.

In addition, the Assistant Cook is responsible for monitoring food and equipment temperatures, maintaining cleanliness and organization in assigned work areas, and assisting in setting up prep carts and serving meals on patient tray lines. This role involves working primarily with internal customers in a department-focused setting and requires adherence to established procedures under regular supervision. The position demands a strong understanding of food handling regulations, the ability to safely use cleaning chemicals, and operational knowledge of various food service equipment such as ovens, steam kettles, grills, fryers, slicers, and beverage machines. Banner Health offers a supportive environment for professional growth, emphasizing the importance of safety and regulatory compliance. Employees in this role at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital must obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to safety and compliance standards. Overall, the Assistant Cook role is vital in delivering high-quality nutrition services, ensuring patient satisfaction, and contributing to the overall care experience at one of the country’s top healthcare institutions.