Cook- Cayuga Medical Center- Nutrition & Dining- Per Diem

Cook- Cayuga Medical Center- Nutrition & Dining- Per Diem

When two established local health systems unite as one collaborative network, healthcare becomes so much more. Centralus Health, an affiliation of Cayuga Health and Arnot Health, is focused on our region's changing needs and your wellbeing. More than a group of experienced caregivers, Centralus Health is a partnership of advocates who strive to eliminate barriers to better health, innovating and evolving services in our communities for enhanced holistic care close to home.

Centralus Health is central to wellness-for all of us.

Role Summary

The Cook supports large-scale food production for patient meals and retail dining outlets. Under the direction of the Executive Chef, this role prepares high-quality, nutritious meals while ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal safety and sanitation regulations. The Cook plays an essential role in delivering person-centered care through safe food handling, consistency, and service excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Prepare hot and cold food items in accordance with standardized recipes and production guidelines
• Scale recipes accurately while maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations, including completion of required documentation
• Complete temperature logs and food safety checks to ensure compliance and patient safety
• Maintain food production and storage areas in inspection-ready condition using established cleaning schedules
• Utilize the Food Service Management system daily for production tracking and workflow support
• Assist with catering services, menu development, and implementation as needed
• Monitor food waste and overproduction and actively support waste-reduction initiatives
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with other related duties as operational needs require

Required Skills and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 2 years of food service experience in large-volume or batch cooking environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate degree or formal culinary training
• ServSafe certification

Preferred skills are not required to be considered for this role.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds
• Reaching, bending, and repetitive motions
• Working in environments with exposure to heat, cold, loud noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and sharp objects
• Ability to safely navigate a fast-paced food production environment
• Valid driver's license may be required based on operational needs

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements

• Onsite - Cayuga Medical Center: 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
• Days and Evenings shifts available
• 0% Travel expected for this role

Pay Range Disclosure

Standard rate of $19.04 - $24.75 per hour

Centralus Health and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff, and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care, and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care, and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs, and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.