Cook - Food Production Services

Lakeland Regional Health is a prominent medical center situated in Central Florida with a rich history spanning over a century. Known for its commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services, it stands as the only designated Level 1 Trauma Center in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. The facility serves a diverse patient population through its comprehensive medical services, which include managing the second busiest Emergency Department in the United States. Licensed for 910 beds, Lakeland Regional Health handles an impressive volume of patient interactions annually, including over 200,000 emergency room visits, 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits. This highlights the institution's vital role in the community’s health and well-being.

The role of the Cook at Lakeland Regional Health is vital to the hospital's operations, contributing directly to the quality and satisfaction of patient care and food services. This is an active, benefit-eligible position that accrues time off, with a standard work schedule of 80 hours per biweekly pay period. The assigned shift typically runs from 11:00 pm to 7:30 am, Monday through Friday, including rotations on weekends and holidays. Located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL, this role demands a dependable, skilled individual adept in food preparation within a high-volume healthcare environment.

The Cook is responsible for preparing meals for patients, catering services, and the cafeteria, ensuring all menu items meet acceptable quality standards and are prepared within scheduled timelines. Duties also include taking daily inventory of supplies and adhering strictly to recipes and food production sheets to maintain consistency and safety. The position requires a focus on food safety, quality improvement, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Additionally, the Cook ensures compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA regarding patient privacy and food safety protocols from regulatory agencies. Other tasks include setting up and breaking down work areas, monitoring inventory and food temperatures, storing leftovers properly, and maintaining an immaculate, safe, and sanitary work environment. The role also involves staff interaction, enforcing compliance with dress codes and hygiene, and addressing issues proactively to maintain smooth operations.

Candidates for this position should possess knowledge of cooking equipment, ability to read and follow recipes, and basic knife skills. While two years of large volume healthcare cooking experience, familiarity with various cooking methods, and knowledge of culinary terminology are advantageous, they are not required. Preference will be given to applicants holding certifications such as Safe Serve or equivalent food service sanitation certificates. The position is ideally suited for those passionate about food service in healthcare settings, with an emphasis on efficiency, safety, and quality. The Cook at Lakeland Regional Health plays a critical role in supporting patient care through excellent meal service, contributing significantly to patient, customer, and employee satisfaction within a dynamic and fast-paced hospital environment.