At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Abilene, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative, and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

The Cook performs a variety of volume food preparation tasks. Plans cooking schedules and directs the work of assistants in a professional manner. Ensures patient satisfaction. All duties to be done in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and Performance Improvement standards.

Essential Functions:

• Plans daily cooking schedule to meet deadlines and follows standardized recipes.
• Directs the work of assistants and aides in a professional manner.
• Prepares and serves meals per menus, physician orders, resident preferences, and therapeutic diet spreadsheet.
• Assures food is served at proper temperatures and records these temperatures.
• Makes proper food substitutions within food groups as directed.
• Serves food on tray line at mealtime.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and covers kitchen equipment and follows listed cleaning assignments.
• Prepares for the following day's menu.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Completion of culinary school.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a cook in a nursing home or hospital setting preferred.
• Must be able to read and write, follow recipes, use measurements, have basic experience in cooking, and understand the fundamentals of therapeutic diets.
• Should be proficient in performing duties within a three-month time frame.
• Must be able to plan, organize, and meet servicing deadlines.
• Duties are diversified and semi-repetitive. Methods and procedures are standardized.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral health de-escalation program.

Subject to many interruptions. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Heavy lifting and physical exertion. Works in kitchen with temperatures above 90 degrees at times, and exposure to a variety of chemicals.

• Health and wellness focus.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Supportive work environment.

• Completion of culinary school.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a cook in a nursing home or hospital setting preferred.
• Ability to read and write, follow recipes, and use measurements.
• Basic experience in cooking and understanding of therapeutic diets.
• Ability to plan, organize, and meet servicing deadlines.
• CPR certification and completion of an approved behavioral health de-escalation program.