Risevoic
Cook
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Lexington, KY, 40504
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 15.92-22.79 HOUR
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Prepares food for patients, staff, and visitors of the healthcare facility following safe cooking techniques. Prepares food for multiple therapeutic diets and complies with state and federal laws and regulations related to food preparation in a healthcare environment. Supports quality control measures such as recipe adherence and food quality consistency.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Prepares and serves food within guidelines of menu and dietary requirements, using required kitchen utensils and equipment such as slicers, mixers, ovens, fryers, steamers, stove tops, and grills, etc. Modifies preparations to account for food allergies.
- Follows healthcare foodservice industry standards, regulations, guidelines and procedures including monitoring and maintaining food temperatures during cooking, holding, and storage processes. Avoids cross-contamination of foods and adheres to personal hygiene requirements.
- Maintains labeling and storage of food, equipment, and machinery.
- Performs washing and cleaning duties to ensure sanitation & cleanliness in cooking and serving areas.
- Other duties as assigned by the leader.
Required Education and Experience | One (1) year of Food Service Experience |
Preferred Education and Experience | High School Diploma Cooking Experience Combination of education and experience |
Required Licensure and Certifications | FHP:- within 30 days or state requirement FHP ANSI approved or ServSafe : AZ - Maricopa, Yavapai FHP ANSI approved or ServSafe: CA - Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego FHP: City of Leavenworth: KS - Leavenworth FHP or ServSafe: KY - Jessamine, Fayette, Madison, Montgomery FHP: NE - Lancaster - Lancaster County Food Protection Manager Permit FHP: NV - Clark - Clark County Food Handler FHP ANSI or ServSafe: OR FHP ANSI approved or ServSafe: TX FHP or ServSafe: UT FHP State Approved: WA |
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training | None specified |
Welcome to Saint Joseph Hospital, a 433-bed hospital founded in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as the first hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Led by Sister Euphrasia Stafford, the mission to provide compassionate care to the underserved is still carried out today. Saint Joseph Hospital holds over two dozen national ranks and recognitions and is recognized as a 2024 Best Place to Work in Kentucky.
Saint Joseph is part of CommonSpirit Health, a non-profit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. With approximately 175,000 team members and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians.
Our commitment to serve the common good is delivered through the dedicated work of thousands of physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff; through clinical excellence delivered across a system of 140 hospitals and more than 2,200 care centers serving 24 states.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking at Catholic Health Initiatives involves preparing meals that adhere to therapeutic diets and strict healthcare food safety standards, unlike typical restaurant roles. This means cooks must be skilled in customizing dishes for patient health needs while maintaining high sanitation and food quality consistency.
In Lexington's healthcare sector, a Cook can advance by gaining certifications like ServSafe and expanding expertise in dietary-specific meal preparation. With experience, progression into supervisory food service roles or specialized dietary technician positions is common, leveraging both culinary skills and healthcare compliance knowledge.
Mastery of kitchen equipment such as slicers, mixers, ovens, and steamers is crucial, alongside safe cooking methods tailored for therapeutic diets. Emphasis is placed on avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining food temperatures, making precision and hygiene key skills for success.
For Kentucky-based roles like this one, certifications such as the Food Handler’s Permit (FHP) or ServSafe certification are essential. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to state-mandated food safety practices, critical in healthcare environments that serve vulnerable populations.
Cooks in Lexington’s healthcare sector typically earn between $13 and $17 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Positions at reputable organizations like Catholic Health Initiatives may offer competitive wages aligned with regional standards and added benefits.
Saint Joseph Hospital attracts many candidates due to its strong community reputation and status as a top workplace in Kentucky. While demand for skilled cooks remains steady, applicants with healthcare food service experience and proper certifications have an advantage.
Yes, cooks here must navigate the complexities of therapeutic diets, strict hygiene protocols, and regulatory compliance within a healthcare setting. This requires adaptability and precision beyond typical food prep, ensuring patient safety and nutritional needs are met consistently.
Food safety rules dictate meticulous temperature monitoring, rigorous sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention. These regulations shape every cooking and serving step, demanding constant vigilance to protect patient health in a clinical environment.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers a mission-driven work culture focused on compassionate care, recognized as a best place to work in Kentucky. Culinary staff benefit from a stable environment, opportunities for certification, and the chance to impact community health positively.
Besides ServSafe, the Kentucky Food Handler’s Permit is commonly required for cooks in Lexington healthcare kitchens. Staying updated with state-specific permits ensures compliance and enhances employability in competitive local food service roles.