Cook - LaSalle County Nursing Home

Healthcare Cook – Nourish Recovery, One Meal at a Time No Late Nights!   Are you passionate about cooking and ready to make a difference in the lives of patients? Join our healthcare nutrition team as a Cook and help prepare fresh, healing meals that support wellness and recovery in a calm, caring environment.   What You’ll Do: * Prepare and cook meals according to healthcare dietary guidelines and patient menus * Ensure all food is prepared safely and attractively * Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized kitchen environment * Collaborate with dietary and clinical staff to meet patients’ nutritional and medical needs * Follow procedures for special diets, allergies, and food restrictions Why You’ll Love This Job: * No late nights – finish your day with time for yourself * Stable, predictable schedule with weekend shifts * Work in a mission-driven setting where your meals truly matter * Be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment * Paid training and opportunities to grow in healthcare food service We’re Looking For: * Basic cooking knowledge – we’ll train the right person! * A strong commitment to food safety and sanitation * A dependable, caring attitude and good communication skills * Comfort working in a clinical or patient-centered setting * A passion for nourishing others Why Join Us?  * Competitive pay + opportunities for growth  * Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and retirement  * Paid time off   About Us: At Whitsons we believe that food is a powerful part of healing. Our cooks are valued team members who provide comfort and care through every meal. Join us and be part of a healthcare mission that starts in the kitchen.   Apply today and help serve wellness on a plate – at Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.   Pay Rate: $22/hour   Qualifications REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES  Education  * High school diploma or equivalent required; must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required.    Experience  * Minimum 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience required; residential, correctional, or institutional food service experience preferred.    Certifications  * ServSafe certification required, or must be obtained within a defined timeframe upon hire; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment.    Other Qualifications  * Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques; ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.  * Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment; genuine interest in resident nutrition and wellbeing.    Core Competencies  * Culinary Skill & Recipe Adherence: Demonstrates proficiency in cooking techniques, batch cooking, and recipe execution; consistently meets portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards for every meal served.  * Food Safety & Compliance: Maintains rigorous adherence to HACCP, ServSafe, and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards; completes temperature logs and production records accurately and on time every shift.  * Execution & Reliability: Manages the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines consistently; follows all Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules with accuracy and dependability.  * Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, signage, and documentation; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day.  * Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers; contributes to a productive, positive kitchen environment and supports the team in achieving daily service goals.  * Customer Focus: Takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal served; maintains a welcoming, clean, and orderly station and understands that resident satisfaction is the ultimate measure of success.       WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS  Expected Hours of Work  This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the school district’s food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events or operational needs.    Travel Requirements  This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support.    Physical Demands of the Job  The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.    Work Environment  This position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.      The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.