Lead Cook - Full-time/Varied

Valley Children's Healthcare is a leading pediatric healthcare provider based in Central California, dedicated to delivering exceptional medical services and fostering community well-being. With a team comprising more than 670 physicians and approximately 3,500 staff members, Valley Children's is well-equipped to serve over 1.3 million children in the region. The organization operates a 358-bed standalone children's hospital alongside a diverse network of specialty care centers and primary care practices. They provide a wide range of advanced pediatric services including treatment for cancer and blood disorders, heart care, and neonatal intensive care. Their commitment extends beyond clinical care to include active partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies to enhance health access, promote wellness, and support children and families’ long-term success throughout Central California.

The position available at Valley Children's Healthcare is for a Cook located in Madera, California. This is a full-time role with a weekly schedule of 36 hours and a varied work shift. The pay range lies between $22.70 and $31.80 per hour, reflecting the organization's commitment to competitive compensation based on skills and experience. The role is not exempt and requires dedication and flexibility in handling various culinary duties within a healthcare setting.

As a Cook at Valley Children's, the individual will be responsible for preparing food items for the cafeteria and catered meals, ensuring the highest quality in both taste and nutrition. This includes preparing meals for the following day, managing leftover food to optimize resources, and collaborating with the PM cook to ensure smooth café meal service operations. The position requires requisitioning necessary food items and coordinating with the buyer for special menu requirements. This role offers the opportunity to work as a lead cook in either catering or retail meal services, with additional responsibilities potentially including assisting in recipe design for catered functions or the café. Depending on assignment, the individual may also serve as a Patient Services Cook.

This role demands an experienced culinary professional who can work independently, particularly in catering, to prepare both hot and cold meals. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of cooking experience in either an acute healthcare facility or a large volume food service operation. The candidate must possess a strong knowledge of food safety, portion control, cooking processes, kitchen equipment, and basic math relevant to food preparation. Effective communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are required to follow instructions accurately and maintain documentation.

Valley Children's Healthcare emphasizes the importance of teamwork and flexibility in their work environment, encouraging a cohesive team approach to delivering excellent food service. The organization values individuals who are diligent, reliable, and have basic computer skills essential for job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations are offered to support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling their roles.

Overall, this role offers a significant opportunity to be part of a prestigious pediatric health institution dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children’s lives through quality food service support, complementing their comprehensive medical care programs.