Cook - Nutrition Services (Full-Time)

Nutrition Services Department | Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC)

Join a team dedicated to providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support healing, wellness, and exceptional patient care. As a Cook, you will play an important role in preparing and serving meals for patients, residents, staff, and visitors while ensuring food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

At Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC), we understand that nutrition is a vital part of the healthcare experience. We are seeking a dependable, motivated, and service-oriented Cook to join our Dietary Department in La Junta.

Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, AVRMC proudly serves Southeastern Colorado with high-quality healthcare close to home. If you enjoy preparing meals, working as part of a team, and making a difference through food service, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

As a Cook, you will prepare, cook, and store food for patients, staff, visitors, and contracted meal service programs in a nutritious, appealing, and sanitary manner. This position is responsible for meal preparation, food safety, dietary compliance, kitchen sanitation, and supporting meal service operations throughout the facility.

This is a Full-Time position within our Nutrition Services Department.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare and serve entrees, potatoes, vegetables, soups, and other menu items according to recipes and cycle menus.
• Prepare and coordinate meal service for three meals daily for the Valley Wide Services RAC Program in accordance with national and state dietary guidelines, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate meal service for the Senior Life Solutions Program in accordance with national and state dietary guidelines and safety standards.
• Ensure meals are prepared accurately, efficiently, and according to established schedules.
• Demonstrate effective time management to ensure meals are ready for service on time.
• Taste and evaluate prepared foods to ensure quality and palatability.

Kitchen Equipment & Operations

• Operate kitchen equipment including meat slicers, food mixers, ovens, steam kettles, blenders, and scales.
• Perform food preparation tasks including slicing, chopping, mixing, stirring, pouring, and frying.
• Utilize equipment safely and efficiently according to department procedures.
• Monitor equipment functionality and report maintenance concerns when necessary.
• Follow all department procedures regarding equipment operation and food preparation.

Food Safety & Quality Control

• Monitor meal counts, food handling procedures, food preparation, meal service, and equipment cleaning requirements.
• Monitor food temperatures throughout preparation and service to ensure food safety standards are maintained.
• Ensure hot and cold foods meet established temperature requirements before and during service.
• Store leftovers appropriately and utilize leftovers in accordance with sanitation regulations.
• Follow all dietary, sanitation, infection prevention, and food safety standards.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with facility, state, and national dietary requirements.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Clean food preparation areas, equipment, and workspaces.
• Follow proper sanitation procedures for food preparation and storage.
• Assist in maintaining a safe work environment for staff and customers.
• Comply with all infection prevention and safety standards.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Work cooperatively with dietary team members and other departments.
• Provide courteous and professional service to patients, visitors, staff, and residents.
• Support catering and special food service needs as assigned.
• Help promote a positive dining experience for all customers.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to work flexible hours when necessary, including emergency situations.

Preferred

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One (1) year of food service, dietary, restaurant, or related experience.
• Certified Food Protection Manager certification.
• Experience in healthcare, long-term care, school nutrition, or institutional food service.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Why Join AVRMC

We offer a supportive work environment where every employee plays an important role in our mission of providing extraordinary care, no matter their schedule.

Benefits & Perks

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Full-Time)
• Life Insurance (Full-Time)
• Short-Term Disability Coverage (Full-Time)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Full-Time & Part-Time)
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance (Full-Time)
• Employee Wellness Programs (All Statuses)
• Gym Membership Discount (Part-Time & Full-Time)
• Employee Assistance Program (All Statuses)

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Pay (All Statuses)
• Shift Differentials (All Statuses)
• Annual Salary Increase Opportunities (All Statuses)
• Generous Paid Time Off (Full-Time & Part-Time)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (available immediately for eligible employees), Employer Match after 1 Year of Service

Additional Advantages

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer (All Statuses)
• Colorado FAMLI Program Participation (All Statuses)
• (Up to 12-16 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events)
• Identity Theft Protection (Full-Time & Part-Time)
• Rewards & Recognition Programs (All Statuses)
• Cafeteria Meal Discounts (All Statuses)

Ready to Apply?

We're excited that you are considering a career with AVRMC.

Join our mission to provide extraordinary care, because every role matters.