Dietary Cook

Job Summary

Dahl Memorial Healthcare is seeking a dependable and motivated Dietary Cook to join our Dietary Services team. The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, residents, staff, and visitors while following established recipes, physician-ordered diets, and food safety standards. This position helps ensure a positive dining experience by maintaining quality, consistency, and sanitation in all food preparation and service activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and cooks meals according to established menus, standardized recipes, and production schedules.
• Ensures meals meet physician-ordered therapeutic and modified diet requirements.
• Maintains proper food temperatures, portion control, and attractive meal presentation.
• Assists with food preparation for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and special events.
• Follows all food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and HACCP guidelines.
• Properly stores, labels, and rotates food products using FIFO principles.
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment, work areas, and food preparation surfaces.
• Assists with receiving, stocking, and monitoring food and supply inventory.
• Reports equipment malfunctions, food shortages, and safety concerns to the Dietary Manager.
• Works collaboratively with Dietary Services staff and other departments to provide exceptional customer service.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with all hospital policies, HIPAA regulations, and safety standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous institutional, restaurant, or healthcare food service experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen equipment, and food safety principles.
• Ability to read recipes, follow written and verbal instructions, and accurately measure ingredients.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Certificates and Licensure

• Food Handler's Permit or the ability to obtain one within the required timeframe.
• ServSafe Food Protection certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in environments with heat, steam, and varying temperatures.

Why Join Dahl Memorial Healthcare?

At Dahl Memorial Healthcare, our Dietary Services team plays an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of our patients and residents. We are committed to providing compassionate care, maintaining high-quality standards, and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented work environment where every employee makes a difference.