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, café, 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 nutition service areas, as needed.PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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.
Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Cooks food products for patients, café, 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.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Follows HACCP program to include: proper storage, prevent cross contamination, proper food storage, thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating temps, wrapping, labeling & date marking, documentation of food temps and cooler/freezer temperatures, 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.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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 neede
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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 on an on-going 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.EDUCATION
High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred
WORK EXPERIENCE
Two years food service/large quantity or volume cooking experience in healthcare or hotel setting
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
Food Handlers Permit training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
ServSafe
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWORK ATTIRE
Uniform Yes
Scrubs No
Business professional No
Other (department approved) Yes
ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call No
TRAVELTravel specifications may vary by department
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. With 358 licensed beds, Houston Methodist Willowbrook is committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
