Lead Cook - Food and Nutrition Services

At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Our values: Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency.

About the role

Under general supervision, assists in supervising routine duties related to retail and patient meal production. Prepares and cooks food for hospital patients, hospital employees, and visitors using advanced and classical cooking techniques. Prepares food according to recipes, menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or number of portions to be served. Compiles and maintains records of food use and expenditures. Follows and implements HACCP guidelines. Complies with regulatory agency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Organizes, directs, and coordinates functions and activities in the food service department to ensure regulatory compliance. Alerts supervisor to problems and needs concerning equipment, supplies, and staffing daily. (20%)
• Plans, schedules, coordinates, and assigns work and establishes goals and priorities for Cook I, Cook II, and Food Service Workers. Directs activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals. Maintains and establishes departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, and health and safety standards. (20%)
• Ensures standards of quality, hygiene, and efficiency are met throughout the food service operation. Ensures that necessary sanitary levels are maintained throughout the food preparation process, and that all foods prepared meet existing standards for quality, freshness, taste, and appearance. (20%)
• Guides and assists in the training of Cook I, Cook II, and Food Service Workers. (10%)
• Monitors the preparation of food and produces small to large batch goods using advanced and full range of classical and contemporary cooking, plating, and garnishing techniques. (10%)
• Monitors the preparation of food and operates a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment to measure, blend, chop, slice, and mix ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting, and shredding fruits and vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs for consumption. Cooks according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or number of portions to be served. (10%)
• Resolves problems encountered by employees during the course of the assignment. (5%)
• Responsible for requesting, stocking, organizing, and rotating products per HACCP guidelines. (5%)

Requirements

• Three years’ experience performing food preparation and/or service required.
• Formal culinary training preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler – ANSI certification required.

Skills

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices sufficient to establish priorities, assign and review work, and resolve problems.
• Knowledge of food safety techniques and HACCP guidelines.
• Knowledge of safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures specific to maintaining sanitary food preparation conditions.
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment for preparing food for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions) to perform mathematical calculations.
• Skill in prioritizing and coordinating activities to ensure effective and efficient completion of work assignments.
• Skill in analyzing and resolving problems related to the work assignment.
• Skill in communicating and establishing effective working relationships with employees, organizations, and the public.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Pay

$21.00 - $28.25 / hr

Schedule

Varies

Benefits

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 holidays.
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks.
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%.
• Generous medical, dental, and vision plans in addition to employer-paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center and nationally recognized RESTORE Center.
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation).
• Childcare discount programs and exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more.
• Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
• Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC).
• Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer with free student loan coaching and assistance.
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer.

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation. It includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan, and Denver Health Foundation. As Colorado’s primary and essential safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that provides millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year. Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many cultural and recreational activities.