Senior Cook

Sr Cook

At Houston Methodist (HM), the Sr Cook position is responsible for the preparation and cooking of entrees, side dishes and other specialty products using the recipe collection provided. In addition to performing the duties of the Cook position, this position prepares specialty dishes for catered events, including physician dinners, employee recognition ceremonies, and other high-profile events. The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition Services Standards of Appearance and complies with relevant local Food Ordinances, reviewing and maintaining production records and cooling charts according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. The Sr Cook position may be asked to assist in other food and nutrition service areas, as needed.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent education preferred
• Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting
• Food Handlers Permit - Various Issuers Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• ServSafe preferred

Skills and abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
• Strong knowledge of kitchen/food service equipment and sanitation principles
• Strong understanding of buffet receptions, upscale plated menu items, volume batch cooking
• Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc.

Essential functions:

• Interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family, and staff
• Notifies management appropriately with changes to menu items due to unforeseen events
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement
• Cooks food products for patients, café, catering functions, and doctor's lounge
• Coordinates with production and food service coordinators or other responsible role to ensure scheduled meal preparation and/or meal delivery
• May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries
• Contributes to daily production meetings, keeping patient satisfaction and customer service standards a priority
• Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of food temps and cooler/freezer temperatures, and correcting as appropriate
• Prepares food, with knowledge of dietary restrictions, according to standardized recipes, menu, safe food handling and time schedule
• Inspects all food for quality, freshness and appearance
• Maintains sanitation in work area to comply with all federal and state regulatory agencies
• Practices good cost control through the proper use and storage of food, supplies and equipment
• Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind
• Recommends new food items from the creation to making it a menu item
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action

Supplemental requirements:

• Uniform: Yes
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes
• On Call: No
• Travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
• Travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; neurology and neurosurgery; comprehensive cancer care; orthopedics and sports medicine; gastroenterology; bariatrics; childbirth center with level III NICU; emergency care; and advanced imaging.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.