Healthcare Dietary Cook

KVC Health Systems•Saint James, MO

2d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

KVC Missouri is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and service-oriented Healthcare Dietary Cook for its St. James team. The role prepares nutritious, high-quality meals in a structured healthcare and residential environment serving children and youth. Dietary Services helps create a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment, and the cook supports health, comfort, and daily stability through consistent, carefully prepared meals. This position involves food preparation and meal production in a commercial kitchen, including batch cooking and baking. The cook follows standardized recipes, nutrition guidelines, portion standards, DESE nutrition standards, ServSafe practices, sanitation procedures, and infection-control expectations. The role also supports kitchen operations, meal service, documentation, and collaboration with residential, nursing, and operations staff. Flexible scheduling may be available based on operational needs. Weekend, holiday, and rotating shift availability may be required, and dependable attendance is essential.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Dependable attendance, reliable transportation, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and follow food safety and sanitation standards.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
Team-oriented, respectful, detail-focused, and comfortable working in a structured healthcare environment while following standardized recipes and production expectations.
Compassionate approach and understanding of the role food service plays in supporting health, comfort, and wellbeing.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience in food service, commercial kitchens, cafeterias, healthcare dietary services, school nutrition, senior living, or other institutional cooking environments.
Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, high-volume meal production, or working with children and adolescents.
ServSafe Certification, or willingness to obtain it within the designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve nutritious meals in accordance with standardized recipes, nutrition guidelines, portion standards, and food safety regulations.
Perform food preparation, batch cooking, baking, and meal production in a commercial kitchen.
Follow DESE nutrition standards, ServSafe practices, sanitation procedures, and infection-control expectations.
Maintain meal quality, timing, temperature logs, and kitchen cleanliness standards.
Assist with menu preparation, inventory management, receiving deliveries, and stock rotation.
Support meal service operations for residents, staff, and special events as needed.
Maintain accurate food storage, labeling, and sanitation documentation.
Collaborate with residential, nursing, and operations staff to support a positive dining experience.
Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality to support uninterrupted meal service.
Maintain a calm, professional demeanor in a fast-paced healthcare and residential setting.