Cook/ Universal Worker

Hemphill County Hospital District is seeking one Full-Time Cook/Universal Worker to join our team at Mesa View Assisted Living. As a Cook/Universal Worker at MVAL, you’ll prepare nutritious meals for residents, staff, and guests, while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. In addition to food service, you’ll assist residents with daily living activities, fostering comfort, dignity, and meaningful connections through compassionate care.

Schedule: This is a full-time position with a 5 days on / 2 days off rotating schedule, working 8-hour shifts. Shift times rotate between 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM and 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM, with rotating weekends.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare, season, and cook meals for residents, staff, and guests following menus and dietary guidelines.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely; ensure the cleanliness of kitchen, dining, and dishwashing areas.
• Follow food safety standards and report equipment needs to the Dietary Supervisor.
• Assist with serving meals, clearing tables, and maintaining sanitary conditions throughout the facility.
• Support residents with daily living activities including hygiene, dressing, mobility, and laundry.
• Monitor residents’ well-being, respond to call alerts, and report changes to the Director.
• Help new residents settle in and participate in planned activities to promote engagement.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold residents’ dignity, safety, and comfort.
• Complete assigned shift duties and attend in-service training sessions.
  

Job Requirements:Education:

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Work Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or obtainable upon hire; must be maintained.
• Availability to work up to 12-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Preferred experience in direct patient care and institutional or commercial food service.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Professional appearance, tact, and patience—especially when working with elderly residents.
  

Licenses & Certifications:

• Minimum: BLS certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Minimum: ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Skills & Abilities:

• Must convey a professional demeanor.
• Must be able to multitask
• Must be able to read recipes and create palatable meals 
• Ability to remain calm and efficient in a busy or stressful environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures, including safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with managers and peers.

Physical Requirements:

• The Dietary Cook role requires heavy physical activity, including lifting up to 100 pounds, with frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying (50-75 pounds), bending, stooping, and reaching for cleaning tasks.
• Requires the ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Position requires physical fitness, visual and hearing acuity.

If you are passionate about providing high-quality meals in a caring environment, we encourage you to apply!

Company Policy:

Hemphill County Hospital District is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.

The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Hemphill County Hospital District.

Hemphill County Hospital District is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email careers@hchdst.org  or call 1-806-323-1115