Dietary Cook

Job title: Dietary Cook

Position: Full Time (32-40 hours per week) 2 weekends shifts per month

Wage: Starting at $17.89 (based on experience)

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Cherry County Hospital is seeking a dependable and skilled Dietary Cook to join our Nutrition Services team. This position plays an essential role in supporting patient care by preparing high-quality meals that meet dietary requirements while maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment.

Position Summary

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals for patients, staff, and special events in accordance with approved menus and dietary guidelines. This role also includes maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and proper stocking of the kitchen, dining areas, and Nutrition Center.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a full range of food items with minimal supervision, ensuring meals are served on time and at appropriate temperatures
• Follow menus and recipes, adjusting quantities as needed
• Prepare meals in accordance with special dietary requirements
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and temperature standards
• Prepare and deliver jail trays daily
• Properly cool, store, and manage leftovers in consultation with the supervisor
• Maintain temperature logs for dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers
• Follow daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules for kitchen and dining areas
• Restock kitchen, dining room, and Nutrition Center supplies
• Receive and store grocery orders appropriately
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment
• Assist with special events and functions as needed
• Participate in staff meetings, training programs, and required educational opportunities
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and organizational information
• Comply with all hospital policies, procedures, and corporate compliance standards

Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to prepare food in an appealing and appetizing manner
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and handle utensils
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills when interacting with patients, staff, and the public
• Flexibility and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Knowledge of and adherence to confidentiality standards, including HIPAA regulations

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds
• Frequent repetitive movements and use of kitchen tools
• Ability to safely operate equipment and handle sharp instruments
• Exposure to hot and cold environments typical of kitchen settings
• Ability to safely use step stools and other equipment as needed
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime

Comprehensive Benefit Package: 

•Health Insurance: Co-pay or HSA plan options: 100% paid for Employee 

•Dental: 100% paid for Employee 

•Vision: 100% paid for Employee 

•$50,000 Group Life Insurance with AD&D 

•Long-Term Disability: 100% paid for Employee 

•Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 

•Health Savings Account with employer contribution 

•Supplemental Insurances: Short-Term Disability, Supplemental Life and AD&D, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident •Retirement Plan: 457 plan Pre-Tax and Roth options 

Why Join Cherry County Hospital?

• Be part of a dedicated healthcare team focused on quality patient care
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment
• Contribute directly to patient satisfaction and well-being
• Enjoy small-town living in Valentine, Nebraska, located in the scenic Sandhills

Apply Today

If you are passionate about food service and take pride in maintaining high standards in a healthcare setting, we encourage you to apply.

 Minimum Job Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred
• ServSafe Certified not required but will need to be obtained
• One year of food service experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license with a clear driving record required
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle for meal delivery to the jail