Assistant Cook

Mesa, AZ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $16.98 - $25.47

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

wellness benefits

Continued education

Employee engagement programs

Job Description

Banner Health is a leading nonprofit health system dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves. With multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities across several states including Arizona, Banner Health combines advanced medical expertise, compassionate care, and innovative technology to provide high-quality patient services. The organization focuses on professional development of its employees, offering extensive wellness benefits, continuous education, and fostering a supportive workplace environment that values diversity and work-life balance. Banner Health's commitment is reflected through various recognitions which underscore its role as an employer of choice in the healthcare sector. This helps create an environment where employees are motivated to deliver exceptional care and work collaboratively with peers across various disciplines.

University Medical Center Phoenix, a part of the Banner Health network, is a nationally recognized academic medical center renowned for its coordinated clinical care, advanced research programs, and commitment to training future healthcare professionals. With over 730 licensed beds, specialized units, and affiliations with the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, the center is at the forefront of medical discoveries and patient care. The campus caters to a wide range of medical specialties through fully integrated multi-specialty and sub-specialty clinics, providing a complex and dynamic healthcare setting.

The Assistant Cook position at Banner Health within the Culinary & Nutrition Department is essential in supporting nutritional services across patient care areas. This role primarily involves cold food preparation, supporting the grab-and-go options, cold side patient meals, and deli offerings. Duties include preparing salads, sandwiches, desserts, and other cold food items, with cross-training across various food preparation stations to ensure flexibility and efficiency. Working primarily the evening shifts from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm on a Monday to Friday schedule with rotating weekends as necessary, the Assistant Cook contributes to the overall patient and staff experience by ensuring timely, safe, and quality food production.

The position requires adherence to standardized recipes, maintaining appropriate inventory levels, food safety standards, and proper use of kitchen equipment. The role demands strong communication skills, the ability to follow detailed instructions, and perform simple mathematical calculations related to food preparation and inventory. Employees are expected to maintain cleanliness and organization of their workstations and adhere to safety and sanitation protocols. A significant aspect of the role includes monitoring food and equipment temperatures, recording production data, and maintaining par stock levels to support continuous kitchen operations.

Banner Health emphasizes supporting employees through an inclusive workplace culture and encourages applications from individuals committed to healthcare excellence and nutritional service. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to grow a career in healthcare food services within a reputable organization focusing on patient-centered care and employee development.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to learn and follow established policy and procedures
Ability to read and understand written and verbal instructions
Effective communication skills
Ability to perform simple math calculations
Ability to perform tasks within limited time frames
Follow cleaning schedules and use chemicals safely
Follow food handling procedures correctly
Read thermometers and follow safety requirements
Ability to learn all onsite food service equipment
Possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain it during employment
Sign an Arizona Criminal History Affidavit upon hire

Job Qualifications

Ability to learn and follow established policy and procedures
Capability to read and understand written and verbal instruction
Effective communication skills
Ability to perform simple math calculations
Ability to perform tasks within limited time frames and follow cleaning schedules
Knowledge of safe use of chemicals and adherence to food handling procedures
Ability to learn food handling regulations and pass certification tests as required
Experience or training with food service equipment including stoves, ovens, steam-jacketed kettles, steam tables, grills, fryers, slicers, beverage brewing and dispensing equipment, soft serve machines, food carts, dish racks, cleaning equipment and hazardous chemicals
Additional related education and/or experience preferred

Job Duties

Prepare and portion all cold food items in accordance with standardized recipes as indicated on production forecast and tally sheets
Maintain par levels of food and supplies, order and restock items in accordance with established routines, rotate food stocks, check freshness dates
Check and log food and equipment temperatures and report any problems to the supervisor
Keep and maintain assigned work areas clean and in an orderly manner
Assist in setting up prep carts and serve meals on patient tray line
Follow established procedures, recipes, and work routines under regular supervision
Communicate effectively with internal customers and team members