Risevoic
Sous Chef
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Oak Harbor, WA, 98277
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 22 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
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 (Food Handler Permit) State Approved: WA upon hire
Where You'll WorkVirginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Shelton, WA
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Frequently asked questions
Oak Harbor's culinary sector is growing steadily, with healthcare facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives increasing demand for skilled sous chefs. Though smaller than metropolitan hubs, competition remains moderate, making it a promising area for candidates with foodservice experience and healthcare food safety certifications.
Yes, Washington state mandates a Food Handler Permit (FHP) for sous chefs employed in healthcare settings like Catholic Health Initiatives. This certification ensures compliance with food safety regulations critical in preparing therapeutic and allergen-sensitive meals.
Hospital sous chefs focus heavily on therapeutic diet compliance, food safety, and allergy awareness, unlike restaurant roles that prioritize creative menu development. Tasks include strict temperature monitoring and sanitation to meet healthcare regulations, ensuring patient well-being alongside quality food preparation.
Starting as a sous chef in healthcare can open pathways to executive chef roles or specialized positions like therapeutic diet coordinators. Experience here enhances skills in regulated foodservice environments, valuable for senior culinary management within medical or institutional kitchens.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes continuous professional development. Sous chefs often benefit from hands-on training aligned with healthcare foodservice standards, alongside mentorship that cultivates leadership and expertise in therapeutic diet preparation.
This sous chef position uniquely integrates culinary skills with healthcare compliance, focusing on safe food handling for patients with special dietary needs. Unlike typical restaurant roles in Puget Sound, it requires adherence to federal healthcare regulations and therapeutic menu consistency.
Sous chefs in Oak Harbor’s healthcare sector generally earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications like the WA Food Handler Permit, and the specialized nature of food preparation for therapeutic diets.
Proficiency with slicers, mixers, ovens, fryers, steamers, and grills is essential. Additionally, familiarity with equipment ensuring food safety—such as temperature monitoring devices—is crucial to comply with healthcare service standards.
Given the healthcare setting, sous chefs must meticulously modify recipes to prevent allergen exposure, safeguarding vulnerable patients. This expertise is vital to uphold therapeutic diet requirements and avoid cross-contamination.
With ongoing expansion of healthcare services in the Puget Sound region, including Oak Harbor, sous chef positions at Catholic Health Initiatives are projected to increase. This growth reflects broader trends toward specialized foodservice roles within medical facilities.