Cook, University, Per Diem, Mixed Shift

Worcester, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $15.81 - $28.45

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Signing bonus

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Career Development

inclusive workplace

Job Description

UMass Memorial Health is a premier health system in Central Massachusetts known for its exceptional patient care, academic excellence, and leading-edge research. With over 20,000 employees working collaboratively as one health system, UMass Memorial is dedicated to healing patients and serving the community with a relentless pursuit of excellence. The organization fosters an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of title or responsibility, is considered a caregiver and plays a vital role daily. UMass Memorial Health values respect, teamwork, and kindness, embodying six Standards of Respect: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player, and Be Kind. The health system stands as an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, encouraging diverse applicants and accommodating those with disabilities to ensure equal employment opportunities.

The Food Services Kitchen at UMass Memorial Health is seeking motivated individuals to join their team as Food Preparation Workers. This non-exempt, full-time position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $15.81 to $28.45, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. The work schedule includes various shifts Monday through Friday and weekends, improving staffing flexibility and coverage. The role's primary function is to prepare cold and cooked foods for patients, employees, and other designated groups following standard procedures and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include adhering to production sheets and menus, cutting and trimming meats, baking, roasting, and grilling various dishes, preparing sauces and dressings, and ensuring food is properly seasoned and cooked to quality standards.

Employees are expected to portion foods correctly, assist with food quality control on patient tray lines, and support cafeteria service timely. The role additionally emphasizes stringent sanitation, personal hygiene, and safety practices while efficiently utilizing supplies and minimizing waste to maintain operational effectiveness. This position may also involve participation in special food-related functions, enhancing team collaboration and customer satisfaction. UMass Memorial Health offers a supportive and respectful workplace environment where employees' contributions are valued and professional growth is encouraged. Eligible candidates for this role may also receive a signing bonus, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process. Joining UMass Memorial Health means becoming part of a compassionate and committed team dedicated to delivering high-quality food service that supports the health and well-being of patients and staff alike.

Job Requirements

Must be able to follow verbal and written directions
requires simple use of formulas, charts and tables together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments and graduates
employees must be at least 18 years of age to perform this role
one to three years experience in food preparation
unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed may be substituted

Job Qualifications

Must be able to follow verbal and written directions
requires simple use of formulas, charts and tables together with the use of adjustable measuring instruments and graduates
employees must be at least 18 years of age to perform this role
one to three years experience in food preparation
unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed may be substituted

Job Duties

Prepares all items as prescribed by production sheets and/or assigned by supervisor for patient and non-patient areas
checks production sheets and menus and plans work accordingly
trims and cuts meat, fish and fowl
bakes, roasts, stews, grills and steam cooks meats, fish and fowl according to recipes and to provide maximum quality
prepares gravies, dressings and sauces
prepares vegetables, cold meats, ground meats, cooked cereals, breakfast and special items as required
tests food by taste and aroma to determine if properly cooked and seasoned
prepares entrees and sauces in advance as appropriate
prepares correct portions for serving
carves or slices desired weight or portion of meat, fish and fowl for individual servings and applies gravy, sauce or garnish
portions items into appropriate steam table pans as indicated in the steam table layout sheets and in accordance with the daily cafeteria steam table sheet
sets up entrees for patient tray line and assists in taste and temperature quality control
sends appropriate items to cafeteria on schedule
provides back-up services for lines
checks for any usable leftovers and discusses usage with Production Manager
exhibits sound sanitation, personal hygiene and safety practices and follows prescribed uniform policy
utilizes equipment and supplies efficiently and with a high degree of concern for waste, utilization of leftovers, returns unused stock to proper storage area
participates in special activities such as food functions