Cook
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Surprise, AZ, 85388
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Cook, you will prepare food for our patients, staff, and visitors of the healthcare facility following safe cooking techniques. You will prepare food for multiple therapeutic diets and complies with state and federal lawas and regulations related to food preparation in a healthcare environment and support quality control measures such as recipe adherence and food quality consistency.
- 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
**Must be able to work early morning shifts and evening shifts**
Job Requirements
Minimum:
- One (1) year Food Service experience
- A Food Handlers Permit Within 30-days of Hire
Preferred:
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Cooking Experience
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 576 bed non-profit facility providing quality health care to patients and communities in and around Phoenix, Arizona. We are part of CommonSpirit Health which operates 139 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states, making our services accessible to nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents. If you are committed to social justice, health equity, and prepared to deliver care in new, innovative ways, you belong with us.
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Frequently asked questions
Surprise, AZ shows a steady need for skilled cooks, especially in healthcare settings like Catholic Health Initiatives. Compared to larger cities like Phoenix, the demand is moderate but growing due to expanding medical facilities, offering solid opportunities for culinary professionals specialized in therapeutic diets.
Holding a food handler’s permit is crucial in Surprise, AZ, particularly within healthcare kitchens. Additionally, certifications related to safe food handling and allergy-conscious cooking can enhance your profile, aligning with state regulations and increasing job prospects in medical centers and community kitchens.
Mastery of safe food preparation, including precise temperature control and allergy-aware modifications, is essential. Techniques involving the use of commercial kitchen equipment like steamers and grills, alongside recipe consistency, are key to meeting strict healthcare dietary standards and patient safety.
Yes, starting as a Cook in a healthcare environment can pave the way to managerial roles or specialization in dietary therapy kitchens. Gaining experience in therapeutic diet preparation and compliance with food safety laws positions candidates well for leadership in health-focused foodservice.
Expect to tailor meals to diverse therapeutic diets, ensuring strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols. The role demands flexibility for early morning and evening shifts, emphasizing consistency in food quality and strict avoidance of cross-contamination within a hospital setting.
Catholic Health Initiatives provides guidance to align cooking practices with healthcare regulations, including food safety and therapeutic diet requirements. They support new hires in obtaining necessary certifications like the food handler’s permit within the first month, ensuring compliance and quality service.
The hiring environment is moderately competitive due to the specialized nature of healthcare cooking. Candidates with food service experience and relevant certifications tend to stand out, as the organization emphasizes quality control and adherence to safety regulations in its culinary staff.
Cooks working in healthcare settings around Surprise, AZ, typically earn between $13 to $17 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Specialized skills in therapeutic diets and compliance with health regulations may position candidates toward the higher end of this range.
Cooking at Catholic Health Initiatives focuses heavily on therapeutic dietary needs and strict sanitation standards, unlike the broader creativity in restaurants. The emphasis is on precise recipe adherence, avoiding cross-contamination, and preparing meals that meet patient health requirements.
Proficiency with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, fryers, ovens, and steamers is vital. These skills ensure efficient meal preparation while maintaining food safety and quality standards crucial in hospital foodservice operations.