Cook

RWJBarnabas Health is recognized as the premier health care destination in New Jersey, renowned for its patient-centered approach and commitment to delivering high-quality academic medicine with compassion and equity. As the leading academic health system in the state, RWJBarnabas Health integrates innovative strategies encompassing patient care, education, and research, addressing both clinical and social determinants of health to create healthier communities. This organization values a collaborative work environment and strives to provide a best-in-class experience for every team member, fostering professional growth and meaningful contributions to public health. The health system’s dedication extends beyond clinical excellence to include community outreach, education, and career development, thereby making a unique and profound impact throughout New Jersey.

This job opportunity is for a Cook position within the Dietary-Management department at Children’s Specialized Hospital, located at 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ. The position is offered on a per diem basis with a day shift schedule, typically running from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, though some flexibility including weekend availability is required. The hourly pay range for this role is between $19.48 and $23.38 depending on the candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.

The Cook is a vital role responsible for preparing and cooking foods for both patients and hospital employees, ensuring meals are nutritious, appetizing, and meet stringent quality standards. The Cook must proficiently handle a variety of food preparation tasks in compliance with sanitary standards and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, which govern food safety protocols. This role requires the preparation and inspection of food items to guarantee that they meet palatability and quality expectations, maintaining hospital dietary policies and procedures. The Cook also follows established recipes for regular and special dietary meals, catering to the specific nutritional needs of patients and ensuring meals meet medical requirements.

Additionally, the Cook contributes to catering preparations for hospital functions and, when necessary, may coordinate these activities in the absence of supervisory staff. They are responsible for maintaining detailed documentation and temperature records as part of the hot food production system. The role also involves various other duties related to kitchen and dietary operations, including stewardship activities assigned by supervisors.

Ideal candidates should possess at least a high school diploma and preferably have a minimum of one year of experience as a cook, demonstrating a working knowledge of food preparation and kitchen management with a focus on sanitation. Organizational skills are important for completing paperwork and recipe documentation, along with good verbal and written communication skills in English. Basic arithmetic ability and ServSafe certification are preferred to ensure food safety and handling standards are rigorously met. Working in this position provides an excellent opportunity to join a renowned health system that prioritizes the well-being of both patients and team members while contributing to a critical area of health care service delivery.