Lead Cook

Lead Cook

Grow Your Career. Change Their Future.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Ascent Behavioral Hospital – Millcreek, UT

At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate care, helping adolescents navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a supportive and safe environment. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents who are in need of our services. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and safety.

The Lead Cook plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, consistent, and therapeutic delivery of meals to adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting. This position is responsible for executing menus developed in collaboration with the hospital Dietitian, overseeing food preparation and service, managing kitchen budgets, maintaining compliance with all food safety and regulatory standards, and ensuring uninterrupted meal service coverage.

The Lead Cook works closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Dietitian, Admissions, and clinical teams to meet dietary needs while supporting a safe and structured treatment environment.

• Execute approved menus developed in collaboration with the Dietitian, ensuring consistency, quality, and nutritional accuracy.
• Collaborate with the Dietitian to modify menus as needed for allergies, medical diets, religious considerations, and special dietary requirements.
• Manage kitchen budgets, food ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Develop, implement, and adhere to a comprehensive kitchen cleaning and sanitation schedule.
• Ensure continuous kitchen coverage by coordinating schedules, vacation, and time off with the other kitchen staff.
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Oversee food preparation, portion control, meal presentation, and timely service.
• Track and communicate all dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions in coordination with Admissions, Medical, and clinical teams.
• Maintain compliance with Utah Department of Health regulations, CMS standards, Joint Commission standards, and food safety inspection requirements.
• Ensure Serv Safe certification, Food Handler permits, and ongoing food safety training requirements are maintained.
• Participate in hospital safety initiatives and support a therapeutic, structured dining environment appropriate for adolescents.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to food safety, inspections, cleaning logs, temperature logs, and inventory.

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with approved menus and established schedules.
• Monitor food storage, preparation, and service to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Coordinate with Admissions regarding new patient dietary needs and allergy tracking.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and reported for repair when needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and secure kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with clinical and operations leadership to support patient safety and satisfaction.

• Action Oriented:
  Takes initiative, achieves results, and accepts accountability.
• Leadership:
  Provides direction, coordination, and oversight of kitchen operations.
• Communication:
  Communicates clearly with staff, leadership, and clinical teams.
• Innovation:
  Identifies improvements in food service efficiency, quality, and cost control.
• Patient Focus:
  Ensures meals support patient health, safety, and treatment goals.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Works effectively with diverse teams in a clinical environment.
• Teamwork:
  Collaborates across departments to achieve operational goals.
• Technical Expertise:
  Demonstrates strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate daily kitchen operations and task assignments.
• Support scheduling coordination and coverage planning.
• Monitor adherence to food safety, sanitation, and documentation standards.

Ascent Behavioral Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all…