Patient Meal Preparer/Cook

Kansas City, KS, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee assistance program

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job Description

The health system operates a comprehensive medical and patient care facility known for its commitment to excellence in healthcare services. Located on the Strawberry Hill Campus, this organization focuses not only on delivering top-quality medical services but also on supporting patients, visitors, and staff with exceptional meal preparation services. Their dietary department is dedicated to ensuring nutritional standards and special dietary needs are met with precision and care. This ensures that every patient receives meals that align with their health requirements and medical prescriptions while providing a variety of options for visitors and employees. The system emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive workplace for all employees regardless of background or status. Equal employment opportunities are an integral part of their hiring philosophy, and reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Employment is full-time, and employees are expected to uphold high professional standards, positive attitudes, and teamwork within the dietary department. The Patient Meal Preparer/Cook position plays a crucial role in the food service team by preparing fresh, timely meals following specific diet orders and regulatory guidelines.

The Patient Meal Preparer/Cook role is vital in the day-to-day operations of the dietary department under the supervision of the Dietary Supervisor. This full-time position entails preparing and cooking a variety of meals for patients, visitors, and employees, emphasizing food safety, proper sanitation, and adherence to patient-specific dietary orders. Key responsibilities include reading and interpreting food orders, communicating diet issues to the nursing team, and collaborating with the dietician on complex cases. The job requires operating kitchen equipment to prepare vegetables and other food items, following precise cooking instructions, and maintaining cleanliness standards in compliance with health regulations. Planning production requirements, managing food inventory, and recording data for efficient operation are also essential duties. The role demands a proactive approach to teamwork, professionalism, and resource management, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently and safely to support the health and satisfaction of the hospital community. This position is suited for individuals with at least one year of relevant experience as a cook, dietary aide, or in food service, who are detail-oriented, can follow instructions accurately, and display a positive attitude toward their work environment.

Job Requirements

One or more years of experience as a cook, dietary aide or food service
high school diploma or equivalent
ability to communicate effectively
ability to follow food safety and sanitation standards
physical ability to stand for long periods and perform manual tasks
willingness to work full time
reliable and punctual
ability to work in a fast-paced environment
ability to adhere to organizational policies and procedures

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
one or more years of experience as a cook, dietary aide, or food service worker
knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation procedures
ability to follow detailed instructions and dietary orders
good communication skills
ability to operate kitchen equipment
teamwork and interpersonal skills
professional demeanor and positive attitude
ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively

Job Duties

Prepares and cooks to order foods requiring short preparation times
reads food order or receives verbal instructions
maintains patient diet orders and effectively communicates with nursing about diet issues
contacts dietician on call when problems arise with patient diet orders
prepares and cooks food according to instructions
typically performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served
follows basic product directions for preparing, cooking, and serving meats, vegetables, desserts and other foodstuff
prepares foods by operating a variety of kitchen equipment, measures and mixes ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting and shredding vegetables
tastes products, reads menus, estimates food requirements, checks production and keeps records to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment
cleans and sanitizes work stations and equipment following regulatory rules and procedures
promotes effective teamwork
displays professional behavior and positive attitude at all times
adheres to organizational policies and procedures
effectively manages hospital resources such as time, supplies, equipment
performs professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department
other duties may be assigned as required