Food and Nutrition - Production Team Member; Cook

Job Summary

Reporting to the Food Production Manager, the Production Team Member performs a variety of tasks and operations to prepare and cook food items as assigned for meal service. Supports and is responsible for incorporating the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy into job performance and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

• Demonstrates competence in food preparation
• Prepares food according to production sheets and standardized recipes
• Follows prep list and menu guidelines to conserve quality and minimize waste
• Uses appropriate equipment, materials and technique
• Follows portion control guidelines
• Produces palatable, appealing food
• Stores and handles food according to established safety and sanitation procedures
• Correctly uses/follows HACCP and Serv Safe safety and sanitation principles
• Washes hands regularly
• Always wears gloves
• Changes gloves regularly
• Thaws, cooks, heats, holds, cools down and reheats food products according to established procedure
• Labels and dates all stored food products
• Rotates and consolidates food product to minimize waste/loss
• Makes efficient use of time and meets deadlines
• Food is delivered on time, in accurate quantities and according to trayline diagrams
• Prioritizes tasks in daily planning
• Preps station for next day
• Maintains temperature logs and Production Worksheets
• Records patient food temperature
• Records cafeteria food temperatures prior to delivery
• Documents numbers of actual prepared food and servings left on Production sheets after each meal
• Maintains sanitation and cleanliness in production areas
• Keeps prep and work areas clean and sanitized
• Sweeps floor when needed
• Cleans and organizes shelves in walk‑ins on a daily basis
• Conveys teamwork and flexibility
• Participates in daily production meetings
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with fellow employees and management
• Assists in other areas of responsibility when needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Proficiency in the preparation of a variety of hot and cold foods, in large and small quantities, for regular and modified diets for patients, cafeteria, catering and special events
• Must possess principles of HACCP
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and to make simple calculations as to quantities of food product needed
• Demonstrate organization and time management skills
• Working knowledge of kitchen utensils, machines and equipment
• Must be able to read and interpret warning labels
• Ability to follow 8 Steps Production System to maintain nutritional preservation, cost containment, portion control and waste management of food products
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in order to effectively interact with employees, managers and outside customers including patients

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous Food Service experience required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of hands‑on experience in the proper preparation, handling, transporting and storage of food, preferably in health care, is required.

Performance of job does not require patient contact.

Medium‑Heavy Work – Lifting up to 75 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking. Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour), or requiring walking or standing to a significant degree (about six hours a day).

Repetition:
Repeating the same motion over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Awkward Posture:
Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Forceful Exertion:
The amount of physical effort required to…