Job Description

Exalt Health, an acute rehabilitation hospital, provides an intensive rehabilitation program and admitted patients must be able to tolerate three hours of intense rehabilitation services per day. Focused on caring for patients with complex rehabilitative needs such as stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, head trauma, medically debilitation conditions, neurological disorders, cardio-pulmonary amputations, orthopedic injuries, and multiple major traumas.

The Cook at Exalt Health plays a vital role in the patient care team, contributing to the well-being and recovery of our patients through the preparation of nutritious and delicious meals. Working collaboratively with the Food Service Manager and Registered Dietitian, you will ensure that each meal adheres to specific dietary requirements and preferences, contributing to a positive dining experience for our patients, staff, and visitors. Your culinary expertise and commitment to quality will be essential in maintaining our high standards for food safety, sanitation, and presentation. As a member of the Exalt Health team, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated group of professionals committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and their families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Prepare and cook various foods according to standardized recipes, ensuring adherence to dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Menu Execution: Follow daily production sheets and menus to ensure the accurate and timely preparation of meals.
• Quality Control: Monitor food quality and presentation, ensuring that all dishes meet Exalt Health's standards for taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Food Service Manager and Registered Dietitian to ensure that meals meet the specific needs of each patient.
• Sanitation: Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment, following all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Equipment: Properly operate and maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring its safe and efficient use.
• Inventory: Assist with inventory management, ensuring adequate stock of food and supplies.
• Patient Privacy: Adhere to HIPAA regulations and maintain protected health information (PHI) privacy to safeguard patient confidentiality.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with other culinary team members to ensure smooth and efficient food service operations.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance culinary skills and knowledge of therapeutic diets.

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience

• Hold a current food handler's card or equivalent food safety certification.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Culinary arts degree or certification preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a commercial kitchen setting. Experience in healthcare food service preferred.

Skills and Abilities, Proficiency and Productivity Standards

• Organizes and prioritizes tasks and projects, accurately completing job responsibilities within the specified time constraints.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
• Speaks and communicates English effectively in verbal and written format; writes legibly.
• Reading and comprehension at the level necessary to perform job duties appropriately.
• Works cooperatively with co-workers and other hospital employees
• Physical stamina for tasks that involve standing, bending, and lifting.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong culinary skills, food safety and sanitation knowledge, ability to follow recipes and instructions, excellent communication and teamwork skills.