At Houston Methodist, the Cook position is responsible for ensuring a high volume/high quality food service setup/assembly for the customer (patients, staff and visitors) that is presented and served within the set standards. This position is responsible for both hot and cold food production including seasoning, preparing, and cooking of various meats, vegetables, soups and sauces and on measuring and following recipes as well as garnishing and packaging. This position communicates with peers and management regarding and hazards identified in the work place and performs all duties and responsibilities projecting the Houston Methodist service image and support of the mission statement. The Cook position adheres with the HM Food and Nutrition Services Standards of Appearance and complies with relevant local Food Ordinances and federal and state regulatory agencies, reviewing and maintaining production records and cooling charts according to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. This 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

• Works, in conjunction with the Sr Cook and Catering staff, ensuring the food is prepared is on time, is of high quality, and transferred efficiently

• 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

• Prepares food according to standardized recipes, menu, safe food handling and time schedule. Accurately completes cold and hot food preparation, as assigned

• Tastes food for palatability prior to each meal service to ensure highest quality

• Reviews menus in advance to ensure supplies are in-house. Utilizes down time for preparation of food items to ensure menus are ready at the specified time. Prepares food for the next day per retail or room service cycle menus. Prepares for scheduled catering events one day prior to event

• Portions food according to diet and recipe. Garnishes food as instructed by Sr Cook and/or management

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Inspects all foods for quality, freshness and appearance. Ensures all food beyond the expiration date is discarded. Labels and dates all food items for storage. Ensures the proper rotation of food items

• Reports and corrects improper food, cooler and warmer temperatures. Assists Sr Cook in monitoring and recording temperatures of food and refrigeration

• Uses and follows all safety techniques in handling of equipment. Maintains proper sanitation in work area and equipment 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 needed

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the Sr Cook or other responsible role with 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

• One year food service/cooking experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Food Handlers Permit -- by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

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

• Working knowledge of Serve Safe guidelines and Health department standards

• Knowledge of /kitchen food service equipment and sanitation principles

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

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform Yes

• Scrubs No

• Business professional No

• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL

Travel 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 Clear Lake Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Clear Lake and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. Houston Methodist Clear Lake provides a broad spectrum of adult, pediatric, medical and surgical care. It is an accredited chest pain center and acute stroke-ready designated through DNV. Houston Methodist Clear Lake offers advanced inpatient and outpatient services, including state-of-the-art imaging; childbirth center with a level II neonatal intensive care unit; minimally invasive surgery; cancer center; neurology and spine care; heart and vascular care; bariatric and digestive care; emergency care; primary care; rehabilitation services; and comprehensive orthopedics and sports 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.