Senior Cook

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that's served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It's our passion.

Primary Purpose

Prepares recipes and menu items used in the provision of meals to Parkland patients, cafe customers, and catered events. Serves in a lead capacity in food production units, assigning meal production tasks and addressing meal production needs for patient and cafe meal services.

Education

*None

Experience

*Must have two (2) years of experience as a cook, or an assistant cook in hospital foodservice, restaurant, or institutional cooking of a comparable nature.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

*May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

*Must have a certificate of completion of a food handler training course accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or must obtain one within sixty (60) days of placement in the role.

Required Tests for Placement

*None

Skills or Special Abilities

*Must be familiar with a variety of foods, seasonings, recipe procedures, ingredient measurements and knowledge of time estimates for food preparation.

*Must have proficient knowledge of the use and care of institutional kitchen equipment including ovens, steamers, grills, fryers, slicers, braising pans, etc.

*Must be able to read and follow recipe instructions and food production guides and communicate effectively with departmental personnel.

*Must have leadership skills and provide excellent customer service.

*Must be willing to work flexible hours(i.e. weekends, nights, evenings).

Responsibilities

1.Follows correct cooking techniques in preparing food items for Parkland patients, cafe customers, and catered events. Ensures that assigned production staff are also in line with correct cooking techniques and food preparation guidelines. Reviews recipes, helps to assign production work sheets and prepares required types and quantities of menu items to meet patient and customer meal service needs.

2.Follows correct work processes and kitchen work flow. Oversees production staff for completion of assignments in a timely manner in accordance with meal service needs. Implements appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, efficiency that support the overall goals of the Hospital and Parkland.

3.Reads and follows recipes and production guides accurately. Oversees assigned production staff to ensure that they are correctly following recipes. Notifies production management staff of problems with recipes or recipe ingredients.

4.Serves as a lead person in providing direction to all assigned production staff in the preparation of meals and in the correct use of production equipment. Helps to train new production staff to assure quality food preparation services.

5.Assures the safe and sanitary operation of all quantity food production equipment, follows food sanitation guidelines and safe food handling techniques. Assigns sanitation tasks to unit personnel. Follows work safety policies to assure the department and Parkland are in compliance.

6.Serves as the production unit interface regarding resolution of production issues and needs during patient and cafe meal services.

7.Serves as relief person for emergency backup to kitchen preparation and production staff to assure satisfactory levels of food preparation and production are maintained.

8.Consults with supervisor concerning production issues to assure that quality meal services and productive work environments are maintained.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees' wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.