Senior Cook, Full-Time (Days)

Sr Cook

At Houston Methodist (HM), the Sr Cook position is responsible for the preparation and cooking of entrees, side dishes and other specialty products using the recipe collection provided. In addition to performing the duties of the Cook position, this position prepares specialty dishes for catered events, including physician dinners, employee recognition ceremonies, and other high-profile events. The Sr Cook position must maintain adequate production to support the needs of the patients, caf, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. This position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition Services Standards of Appearance and complies with relevant local Food Ordinances, reviewing and maintaining production records and cooling charts according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. The Sr Cook position may be asked to assist in other food and nutrition service areas, as needed.

The Sr Cook position interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family, and staff. Communicates clearly and professionally to promote both work efforts and problem resolution. Notifies management appropriately with changes to menu items due to unforeseen events; i.e. spoilage, shortage, etc. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

Cooks food products for patients, caf, catering functions, and doctor's lounge. Maintains high quality, proper temperatures and garnishes all plates. Coordinates with production and food service coordinators or other responsible role to ensure scheduled meal preparation and/or meal delivery. May assist in ordering and receiving of food deliveries. Transports food carts for meal service through corridors and elevators to food prep areas. Contributes to daily production meetings, keeping patient satisfaction and customer service standards a priority.

Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, preventing cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of food temps and cooler/freezer temperatures, and correcting as appropriate. Prepares food, with knowledge of dietary restrictions, according to standardized recipes, menu, safe food handling and time schedule. Maintains proper storage and sanitation of all items in storage, refrigerators, and freezers. Inspects all food for quality, freshness and appearance. Ensures all food beyond the expiration date is discarded. Maintains sanitation in work area to comply with all federal and state regulatory agencies, including local Health Department, Fire Department, DNV, etc., cleaning immediate work area concurrently and cleaning large equipment per posted cleaning schedule.

Practices good cost control through the proper use and storage of food, supplies and equipment. Minimizes food waste through proper usage. Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed. Recommends new food items from the creation to making it a menu item. Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting

License/Certification

Food Handlers Permit -- Accredited food handler training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

ServSafe (ServSafe)

KSA/ Supplemental Data

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Ability to exercise sound judgment

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment

Strong knowledge of kitchen/food service equipment and sanitation principles

Strong understanding of buffet receptions, upscale plated menu items, volume batch cooking

Fundamental cooking techniques including braising, searing, etc.

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital opened in December 2000 to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community in Northwest Houston. The 310 bed hospital has 23 operating rooms, and more than 2,100 employees. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is Northwest Houston's regional leader in robotic minimally-invasive surgeries and specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center, Sleep Center, Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the greater Northwest Houston area.