Dietary Cook / Aide PT

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center•Odessa, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dietary Services Cook will work under the supervision of the Dietary Services Leader to ensure all food is prepared in accordance with established recipes, hospital policies, and food safety regulations. This role involves preparing, cooking, and portioning meals for patients, staff, and visitors, adhering to specific dietary restrictions and quality standards. The position also requires a strong focus on food safety, hygiene, inventory management, and kitchen maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in institutional cooking, food service, or a healthcare setting.
Washington state food handlers’ card.
Knowledge of food preparation, kitchen equipment, and proper cooking techniques.
Ability to follow detailed recipes and meal plans while ensuring dietary compliance.
Strong attention to food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Must be able to continuously walk and stand.
Must be able to perform work both inside and outside.
Sit infrequently.
Constantly lift 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds.
Constantly carry 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds.
Constantly push 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds.
Must be able to climb stairs on a frequent basis, with the opportunity to utilize the elevator as an alternate resource if available.
Must be able to bend at the waist, knees, hips, and spine on a frequent basis; may require frequently manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more.
Must be able to squat on a frequent basis to reach below the knee, may require lifting of 50 pounds or less.
Must be able to twist or rotate occasionally at the trunk, hips, knees, and neck, manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more.
Must be able to reach on a frequent basis.
May occasionally reach overhead, requiring manipulation of weight of 10 pounds or less, and below waist manipulating weight of 25 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

Formal dietary training or food service certifications are preferred.
Experience in a hospital kitchen is a plus.
Familiarity with hospital-specific dietary requirements and menu planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare, cook, and portion meals for patients, staff, and visitors, following hospital menus and dietary restrictions.
Ensure meals meet quality standards for taste, appearance, and nutrition.
Follow prescribed dietary guidelines and restrictions for patient meals (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.).
Collaborate with dietitians to accommodate special dietary needs.
Adhere to all food safety guidelines, including proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and cleaning practices in compliance with Washington state health regulations.
Assist in managing kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, and stocking food and kitchen supplies.
Monitor and report inventory levels to avoid shortages.
Ensure kitchen equipment is clean, well-maintained, and used properly.
Report any maintenance or safety issues with kitchen equipment to supervisors.
Work closely with other kitchen staff to maintain a smooth workflow.
Participate in team meetings to discuss menu changes, dietary needs, and patient feedback.
Respond to patient food preferences and provide alternative meal options when necessary, ensuring patient satisfaction and comfort.