Cook - South Bend, IN

The hiring establishment is a reputable hospital known for providing exceptional healthcare services to patients while fostering a positive and supportive work environment for staff members. The hospital is dedicated to upholding its mission of delivering outstanding care, inspiring health, and connecting with heart. It achieves this by adhering to its core values of trust, respect, integrity, and compassion, which guide every aspect of its operations and patient interactions. This institution places a great emphasis on service goals, which include personally connecting with patients and staff, keeping everyone well informed, and being a dependable team member throughout the healthcare system. As a hospital employee, the role of a Cook plays an essential part in supporting the institution’s mission by ensuring that nutritious, high-quality meals are properly prepared and served to patients, hospital staff, and at various hospital catered events and meetings. Reporting directly to the Chef Manager, the Cook works under general supervision to execute food preparation and cooking duties that align with the established production schedules and menu plans. This role is vital in contributing to the overall patient experience and satisfaction, as well as supporting the well-being of hospital staff through timely and hygienic food service. The hospital Cook’s responsibilities span several key areas, including preparing food items such as entrees, breakfast dishes, vegetables, soups, and grill items. The Cook must follow standardized recipes and portion controls, apply strict sanitation and food safety practices, and plan food preparation carefully to minimize waste. Delivering prepared meals at appropriate times across different serving areas also falls under the scope of this role. A clean and safe work environment is mandatory; therefore, the Cook consistently maintains cleanliness, reports equipment or supply issues, and participates in quality control initiatives. This role demands a commitment to ongoing professional development, including completion of mandatory education and certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handling course every five years. Additionally, the Cook supports the hospital’s operating system known as The Beacon Way, which focuses on innovation, cultivating talent, performance improvement, accountability, data-driven decision making, and clear communication. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent and preferably one year of experience in hospital, institutional, or restaurant cooking environments. They must possess strong communication skills, a basic ability for simple mathematical calculations, and the physical capability to work in a demanding kitchen environment, handling hot surfaces and heavy equipment. The Cook will be required to work in conditions subject to temperature changes and demonstrate a cooperative and hospitable attitude to serve both patients and colleagues. Overall, the Cook is a key contributor to the hospital’s mission by delivering excellent culinary support services that enhance patient care and staff satisfaction, embodying the organization's values and service goals in every task performed. This position offers an opportunity to work in a meaningful healthcare setting with a focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement, playing a vital role in the daily operation of the hospital’s food service department.

• must be a minimum of 17 years of age
• ability to work over a hot cooking surface and handle food cooked in hot oil
• required to attend and participate in department meetings and be accountable for all information shared
• completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes
• completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes
• maintains license, certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year
• direct patient care providers required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department
• consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques
• adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance
• complies with established organization and department policies
• available to work overtime and additional shifts when required
• physical ability and stamina to stoop, reach, lift equipment and remain on feet for entire workday