Cook - Vista Life Innovations

Whitsons Culinary Group•Madison, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares meals in a healthcare food service setting, following dietary guidelines, patient menus, recipes, and procedures for special diets, allergies, and food restrictions. The role supports patients’ nutritional and medical needs in collaboration with dietary and clinical staff, and requires consistent attention to safe, attractive meal preparation and sanitation. The Cook works in a kitchen and food service production environment, primarily at a site, and may occasionally travel to other school locations in the district for substitute coverage or operational support. The position is full-time and non-exempt, with days and hours aligned with the school district’s food service schedule. Weekend shifts are part of the schedule, and occasional extended hours may be required for special events or operational needs. The Cook must demonstrate cooking proficiency, recipe adherence, reliable timing and sequencing of cooking operations, and accurate completion of temperature logs and production records. The role also calls for a positive, professional image, effective teamwork, and care for resident nutrition, wellbeing, meal quality, and presentation. The position pays $22 per hour and includes paid training, growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience.
ServSafe certification, or ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe after hire.
Local food safety certification in the jurisdiction of employment.
Proficiency in recipe procedures and cooking techniques, including batch cooking and recipe execution.
Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
Commitment to food safety and sanitation.
Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Dependable, caring attitude, good communication skills, and a positive, professional image.
Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
Ability to work scheduled weekend shifts; occasional extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

Residential, correctional, or institutional food service experience.
Comfort working in a clinical or patient-centered setting.
Genuine interest in resident nutrition and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook meals according to healthcare dietary guidelines and patient menus.
Prepare food safely and attractively, meeting portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards.
Follow recipes, cooking techniques, and procedures for special diets, allergies, and food restrictions.
Maintain a clean, sanitized, stocked, and organized kitchen and work station throughout the service day.
Collaborate with dietary and clinical staff to address patients’ nutritional and medical needs.
Follow HACCP, ServSafe, food safety, sanitation, and other applicable requirements.
Complete temperature logs and production records accurately and on time each shift.
Manage the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines.
Follow company policies, production standards, and assigned schedules.
Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager and other food service workers to meet daily service goals.
Maintain a welcoming, clean, and orderly station and support resident satisfaction.
Travel occasionally to other school locations within the district for substitute coverage or operational support.