Cook- Culinary and Nutrition Irvine- FT Day Shift

Job Overview

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Compensation

Hourly
Range $15.00 - $20.25
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Work Schedule

Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Sick Time
Vacation Time
Retirement Savings Plans
Employee Discounts
Paid holidays
Paid Time Off

Job Description

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, distinguished as the only academic health system located in Orange County. This esteemed institution is composed of its primary campus, the UCI Medical Center—a 459-bed, acute care hospital in Orange, California—along with four additional hospitals and affiliated physician groups that form the UCI Health Community Network spanning Orange and Los Angeles counties. Additionally, UCI Health operates multiple ambulatory care centers throughout the region. Recognized repeatedly for excellence, the UCI Medical Center has been listed among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. The center offers advanced tertiary and quaternary care services and hosts specialized programs including Orange County’s sole National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, a high-risk perinatal/neonatal program, and an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center. The facility also boasts a gold-level geriatric emergency department and a regional burn center, underscoring its commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare. Serving a population approaching 4 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County, and southeast Los Angeles County, UCI Health stands as a vital healthcare resource in Southern California. To learn more, please visit www.ucihealth.org.

The role of Cook within UCI Health offers a critical position dedicated to the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of food for patient meal services, the Medical Center Cafeteria, and special catered events. Using various cooking techniques including steaming, poaching, broiling, and braising, this role requires the ability to follow recipes precisely while preparing dishes from scratch along with some convenience items. The successful candidate will ensure that food is prepared safely and hygienically, maintaining the high standards expected within a prestigious medical institution. This position demands proficiency in cooking methods and adherence to both regular and therapeutic diet specifications essential for patient health and satisfaction. The Cook will play a pivotal part in the daily operation of the hospital’s food services by contributing to menu execution that supports the dietary needs of patients, staff, and visitors. Exceptional customer service skills are vital, as is the flexibility to work varied schedules including days, nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure the continuity of food service operations in this dynamic environment. This role involves collaboration with diverse teams across the health system, requiring effective communication and the ability to maintain a productive work pace. Overall, this position is ideal for a skilled culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, caring, and structured setting dedicated to enhancing patient care through nutrition and food quality.

Job Requirements

  • Previous experience as a cook or related experience in main kitchen and/or cafeteria
  • Ability to work alternate schedules including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Skill, knowledge, and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties
  • Demonstrated customer service skills appropriate to the job
  • Knowledge of common cooking terminology, mathematics, and standard weights and measures
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to workload
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System
  • Must have legal right to work in the United States
  • Must pass background check and live scan
  • Compliance with vaccination policies
  • Adherence to smoking and tobacco policy
  • Commitment to a drug-free environment

Job Qualifications

  • Skill in various cooking techniques including steaming, poaching, broiling, and braising
  • Ability to follow recipes and specifications for regular and therapeutic diets
  • Previous experience as a cook or related experience in main kitchen and/or cafeteria
  • Knowledge of common cooking terminology, mathematics, and standard weights and measures
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Job Duties

  • Prepare, season, and cook food using various techniques such as steaming, poaching, broiling, and braising
  • Follow recipes and specifications for regular and therapeutic diets
  • Ensure food is prepared safely and hygienically
  • Support patient meal service, Medical Center Cafeteria, and special catered functions
  • Maintain a work pace appropriate to workload
  • Demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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