Medical Center Cook-Culinary and Nutrition-Part time-Variable

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and serves as the only academic health system based in Orange County. With its main hub located at the UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed acute care hospital in Orange, California, UCI Health extends its services through four additional hospitals and affiliated physicians within the UCI Health Community Network spread across Orange and Los Angeles counties. The system also operates ambulatory care centers throughout the region, offering a wide range of medical services to the communities it serves. Recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care specialized in several critical areas. These include Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, advanced high-risk perinatal and neonatal programs, and an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center. Additionally, the center features a gold-level 1 geriatric emergency department and a regional burn center, contributing to its reputation as a leading health provider in the region. UCI Health’s mission encompasses serving a population of nearly 4 million residents within Orange County, western Riverside County, and southeast Los Angeles County, ensuring access to top-quality healthcare. To learn more about the extensive medical services offered, interested individuals can visit the official website at www.ucihealth.org.

The role available at UCI Health is for a Cook who will play an integral part in preparing nutritious and delicious meals for patients, staff, and special events within the hospital system. The incumbent in this position is responsible for preparing, seasoning, and cooking food using various techniques such as steaming, poaching, broiling, and braising. This work is performed according to specific recipes and using basic ingredients, maintaining a balance between cooking from scratch and utilizing some convenience items. The goal is to provide safe and sanitary meal services that comply with dietary standards and contribute to patient wellbeing and satisfaction. The position requires close attention to detail, an ability to work within regulated health and safety standards, and excellent customer service skills. The Cook will contribute to the smooth operation of the food service areas including patient meal service, hospital cafeteria, and catering for special functions. A flexible schedule is required, as work hours may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. This role is pivotal in ensuring food quality, supporting patients’ nutritional needs, and enhancing their overall hospital experience. UCI Health emphasizes a collaborative work environment that respects diversity, promotes equity, and fosters professional growth, making this an excellent employment opportunity for motivated culinary professionals who want to make a difference in healthcare food service.