Lead Cook - Patient Food Services
About The Position
The Lead Cook works in Patient Food Services at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with schedules Monday through Friday from either 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and rotating weekends and holidays. No travel is required. The Lead Cook prepares menu items using commercial cooking equipment and proper food preparation procedures. The role includes preparing and seasoning meats, fish, vegetables, and other dishes; following recipes and customer requests; checking foods for doneness; plating and garnishing servings; and, as needed, preparing bakery items, special-diet meals, or menu-cycle recipes. The Lead Cook may also receive inventory and move or lift food supplies. The role maintains a clean and safe work area, including cleaning and sanitizing cooking stations and equipment and maintaining fryer oil. The Lead Cook interacts with customers to explain menu items and accommodate special orders within menu and supply limits, assists with orientation and training of new employees, performs Café Aide duties as assigned, and follows Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies, and procedures.
Requirements
- Knowledge and practical experience in food service is desirable.
- Technical knowledge to operate commercial cooking appliances and prepare food according to recipes in a commercial kitchen.
- Ability to write, speak, and read in English.
Nice To Haves
- Sanitation certification is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Operate grills, burners, ovens, and other cooking equipment according to proper procedures.
- Prepare food efficiently to minimize waste and serve customers effectively.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment in accordance with safety and food preparation regulations and departmental policies.
- Prepare, season, deep-fry, grill, broil, and sauté menu items using appropriate cooking methods.
- Prepare meats, fish, vegetables, and other menu items, ensuring appropriate cooking method, temperature, and cook time.
- Measure and mix ingredients according to recipes and add seasonings according to recipes or customer requests within menu and supply limits.
- Observe and test food while cooking by tasting, smelling, and piercing; add gravies, sauces, and garnishes as appropriate.
- Portion food onto serving plates and add other prepared items as part of customer orders or standard menu servings.
- As needed, select recipes for menu cycles, prepare bakery items, receive inventory, move and lift foodstuffs and supplies, and prepare meals for customers requiring special diets.
- Explain menus, ingredients, taste, and cooking methods to customers, and prepare special orders within menu and supply limits.
- Clean and sanitize workstations, counters, steam tables, char broiler, flat top, and fryer daily.
- Drain, dispose of, and replenish fryer oil as needed or at least once weekly.
- Assist with orientation and training of new employees.
- Perform Café Aide duties as assigned.
- Adhere to Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies, and procedures.
Benefits
- Premium pay such as shift, on-call, and holiday pay for eligible positions.
- Incentive pay for select positions.
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
- Career Pathways to promote professional growth and development.
- Medical, dental, pet, and vision options.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Free parking.
- Wellness Program Savings Plan.
- Health Savings Account options.
- Retirement options with company match.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Community involvement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
