Cook (FT, Days and Evenings) - Cherry Hill

Jefferson is a nationally ranked healthcare and higher education institution primarily located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. As one of the top 15 not-for-profit healthcare systems in the United States, Jefferson is committed to delivering unparalleled value through compassionate clinical care, community health improvement, innovative research, and comprehensive professional education. Home to Thomas Jefferson University, which includes Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, Jefferson offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 8,300 students. Jefferson Health operates 32 hospitals and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations, making it the largest healthcare provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas.

Jefferson is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, providing equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, gender, disability, or other protected statuses. The organization embodies a culture of collaboration, respect, and excellence, ensuring high standards in all facets of care and service. The food service operations at Jefferson are integral to supporting patient recovery, visitor experience, and staff well-being by offering nutritious, high-quality meals that adhere to stringent safety and sanitary guidelines.

The Cook role at Jefferson plays a vital part in this mission. Working under the direction of lead culinary management, including Lead Cook, Food Service Supervisor, Food Service Manager, Production Manager, or Executive Chef, the Cook is responsible for preparing food items according to standardized recipes to maintain consistent quality, flavor, texture, temperature, appearance, nutritional value, and palatability. This position involves preparing a range of food categories such as entrees, soups, sauces, and vegetables with an emphasis on food safety compliance, including maintaining accurate HACCP and production records.

The Cook prepares food using various cooking methods — braising, sautéing, broiling, boiling, stewing, steaming, baking, and grilling — ensuring each item meets precise cooking times and temperatures. Critical to this position is the consistent monitoring of food quality and proper food handling techniques according to health regulatory standards. Responsibilities include recording production data to manage food costs and portion control, assembling and labeling ingredients, maintaining proper food storage conditions, and adhering to sanitation requirements in the preparation and service areas.

Working effectively within a team environment, the Cook must exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The role requires careful attention to cooking and prep schedules to ensure timely service without compromising quality. In addition to food preparation, the Cook contributes to cleaning and sanitation efforts, attends departmental in-services to stay current on food service policies, and performs other related duties as assigned.

This role is typically full-time with a work shift during the day and offers hourly pay ranging from $17.78 to $25.33 based on experience, skills, and qualifications. Jefferson supports its employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and various voluntary benefits. The organization fosters career growth and educational advancement opportunities, including tuition discounts after meeting service requirements. The Cook position at Jefferson represents a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a leading healthcare system with a commitment to excellence, safety, and community health.