Cook

About the position

The Cook position at Advocate Health involves preparing food according to established guidelines and recipes, ensuring quality and quantity as per production sheets. The role requires maintaining time and production records, measuring and mixing ingredients, and using various kitchen utensils and equipment. Cooks are responsible for baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming foods, as well as garnishing and serving food items. The position also includes monitoring food storage, temperatures, and safe food handling techniques. Cooks must demonstrate knowledge of age-specific care principles and adapt recipes for dietary restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Reviews production sheets and recipes to ensure quality and quantity needed for items to prepare.
• Prepares food on daily production report according to established guidelines.
• Maintains time and production records.
• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe.
• Uses a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment including blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, and tenderizers.
• Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams meat, fish, vegetables, and other foods per recipes.
• Carves and slices meats and cheese.
• Garnishes, displays, and serves food items according to standards and recipes.
• Ensures proper storage and rotation of inventories in refrigerators and freezers.
• Monitors food temperatures and utilizes established procedures to ensure safe food handling techniques.
• Follows department standards for safe food handling, storage, and sanitation.
• Maintains temperature logs for production areas per department standards.
• Monitors accurate portioning and promotes food waste control.
• Prepares in small batches to help control waste/cost.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Requirements

• High School Graduate (or equivalent knowledge).
• Typically requires 3 years of experience in food production in settings such as a hotel, restaurant, or high-end institutional environment.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification issued by the National Restaurant Association needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with diet restrictions and ability to adapt recipes accordingly.
• Proficient time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.