Cook

Overview

Signet Health is hiring a Cook for our program at the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center in Midland, TX. 

This is an hourly position.  Days and hours of work may vary and may include weekends and/or holidays.  May involve day or evening shifts. 

The Cook supports the safe and efficient operation of the hospital’s dietary department by assisting with meal preparation, tray assembly, dishwashing, sanitation, and food service to patients and staff. This role ensures compliance with DNV accreditation standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, Texas Health & Human Services regulations, and FDA Food Code safety requirements. The Dietary Aide plays a critical role in maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment for patients in a behavioral health setting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Meal Service & Tray Assembly

• Assemble patient meal trays accurately according to diet orders and tray tickets.
• Ensure trays meet standards for presentation, portion control, temperature, and timeliness.
• Prepare beverages, snacks, and condiments as assigned.
• Deliver and retrieve meal carts, ensuring safe handling and patient confidentiality.

Food Preparation Support

• Assist cooks with basic food prep such as washing, cutting, portioning, and plating food.
• Prepare simple menu items (salads, cold items, sandwiches) following standardized recipes.
• Refill supplies, service lines, and patient nutrition stations as needed.

Sanitation & Cleaning

• Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and equipment using approved dishwashing methods.
• Clean and sanitize:
• • Work surfaces
  • Serving areas
  • Equipment
  • Floors
  • Storage areas
• Complete required cleaning logs and temperature checks.
• Follow hospital and regulatory standards for infection control.

Food Safety Compliance

• Practice safe food handling, including:
• • Proper glove use and hand hygiene
  • Avoiding cross-contamination
  • Maintaining correct food temperatures
  • Storing food according to FIFO
• Follow FDA Food Code, CMS requirements, and Texas Food Establishment Rules.

Behavioral Health Safety Responsibilities

• Follow psychiatric safety protocols at all times, including:
• • Accounting for utensils and sharp items
  • Ensuring chemicals and cleaning agents remain secured
  • Restricting patient access to kitchen and dishwashing areas
  • Remaining aware of surroundings when delivering trays to units
• Immediately report any safety concerns, unusual behavior, or incidents to Nursing or Supervisors.

Customer Service & Patient Interaction

• Interact with patients in a calm, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.
• Assist patients with meal preferences within their prescribed diet.
• Communicate any patient concerns—including allergies, meal issues, or poor appetite—to the Supervisor or Registered Dietitian.

Inventory & Stocking

• Unload and store food deliveries safely and correctly.
• Label, date, and rotate products.
• Refill pantry items, paper goods, and service supplies.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in quality checks for:
• • Tray accuracy
  • Food temperatures
  • Sanitation standards
  • Patient meal satisfaction feedback
• Support department performance improvement activities.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Two years previous experience in institutional food preparation.
• Must have the ability to follow written policies and procedures.
• Must demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and ability to use or be trained to use all equipment/materials necessary to perform proper dietary procedures.
• Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Licensure/Certification: Food handlers Card