COOK HELPER

About Company:

Minnie Hamilton Health System is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive, vertically integrated healthcare services to rural communities across West Virginia. With locations in Grantsville, Glenville, Arnoldsburg, and Coplin Health in Elizabeth, and as an affiliate of Vandalia Health, our system includes a critical access hospital, community health center, school-based health center sites, a nursing home unit, a swing bed unit, oral health care, rural health clinics, and 340B pharmacy services. We continue to evolve to meet the needs of our region, offering high-quality care in a setting surrounded by nature, outdoor recreation, and Dark Skies stargazing. At Minnie Hamilton, we’re proud to be a trusted healthcare partner, committed to improving lives and strengthening our community. Come join our team and see for yourself!

About the Role:

The Cook Helper at Critical Access Hospital in Grantsville plays a vital role in supporting the culinary team to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of nutritious meals for patients, staff, and visitors. This position focuses on assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, and adhering to strict health and safety standards. The Cook Helper contributes to creating a positive dining experience by supporting cooks in meal assembly and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. This role requires collaboration with dietary staff to accommodate special diets and preferences, enhancing patient satisfaction and well-being. Ultimately, the Cook Helper helps maintain an efficient kitchen environment that supports the hospital’s commitment to quality care and nutrition.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
• Willingness to comply with hospital policies and procedures, including confidentiality and patient privacy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a food service or healthcare kitchen environment.
• Certification in food handling or safety (e.g., ServSafe).
• Familiarity with dietary restrictions and special nutrition needs in a healthcare setting.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with kitchen staff and hospital personnel.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties during busy meal service times.

Responsibilities:

• Assist cooks in preparing ingredients and assembling meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen work areas, utensils, and equipment in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Support inventory management by receiving, storing, and organizing food supplies and reporting shortages or quality issues.
• Help ensure meals are delivered promptly and accurately to patients, staff, and visitors, accommodating special dietary needs as required.
• Collaborate with dietary and kitchen staff to uphold hospital nutrition standards and contribute to a safe, efficient kitchen environment.

Skills:

The Cook Helper utilizes essential food preparation and sanitation skills daily to support meal production and maintain a hygienic kitchen environment. Attention to detail is critical when following recipes and dietary instructions to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Effective communication skills enable smooth coordination with cooks, dietary staff, and other hospital personnel to meet meal schedules and special dietary requirements. Time management and organizational skills are applied to handle multiple tasks efficiently, such as ingredient preparation, cleaning, and inventory support. Additionally, physical stamina and adaptability are important to manage the demands of a dynamic healthcare kitchen setting while upholding quality and safety standards.