Cook | Hospital Experience Preferred

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH), located in Bakersfield, California, is a prominent acute psychiatric and behavioral health facility with a capacity of 90 beds, situated on a sprawling 8.8 acres of land. BBHH specializes in providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents, and adults who require treatment for mental and behavioral health conditions, chemical dependency, and co-occurring disorders. The hospital emphasizes a medically supervised detoxification process as part of its holistic care approach. As a key provider in Kern County, BBHH is committed not only to delivering exceptional patient care but also to fostering a supportive and positive work environment for its employees.

BBHH continually strives to be recognized as one of the best places to work within the Behavioral Healthcare Community by implementing a culture grounded in its CARES values: Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, and Sincerity. These values reflect the heart of BBHH’s mission to create a workplace where staff members feel motivated, appreciated, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. The hospital offers a wide array of benefits aimed at supporting the health, wellness, and development of its team, ensuring that all employees have access to resources that enhance their work-life balance and career longevity.

The current opportunity at BBHH is for a Cook, an essential role that plays a significant part in the overall care experience offered by the hospital. In this capacity, the cook is responsible for preparing nourishing and delicious meals that cater to the diverse dietary needs of patients and staff, within a structured and demanding hospital environment. The role requires a compassionate individual who brings not only culinary expertise but also a genuine heart and dedication to enhancing the health and wellbeing of others through food.

This position is hourly, non-exempt, and eligible for overtime, with a starting wage of $23.00 per hour for new hires and automatic merit increases based on yearly performance evaluations. Candidates will find a professionally rewarding career at BBHH, where teamwork and patient-centric care underpin daily operations. The role requires a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment, capable of meeting rigid serving schedules and adept at adjusting recipes dynamically to meet specific requirements. Practical knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and strong safety skills are critical. Additionally, cook candidates should be willing to complete required certifications such as CPR and "Handle-With-Care" Physical Restraint Technique Training, ensuring safety and preparedness within this healthcare context.

BBHH values human qualities alongside professional qualifications, emphasizing a compassionate approach to working with a vulnerable patient population. The candidate is expected to uphold and embody the hospital’s CARES principles actively, contributing to a collaborative workplace culture where every team member is valued. Those with prior experience in hospital kitchens or mental healthcare settings will be given preference, especially if they bring three or more years of relevant experience. BBHH encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to join their team and make a meaningful impact within the community and their professional journey.