Cook
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Port Orchard, WA, 98366
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Cook, you will be essential to patient, staff, and visitor well-being by preparing high-quality, safe, and delicious meals, including those for multiple therapeutic diets. You will meticulously adhere to all state and federal food preparation regulations in a healthcare environment.
Every day you will follow safe cooking techniques, execute recipes with precision, and apply rigorous quality control to ensure consistent food quality and adherence.
To be successful in this role, you will possess proven experience in high-volume food preparation, a strong understanding of food safety and therapeutic diets, and a commitment to culinary excellence within a fast-paced setting.
- 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.
Required
- One (1) year of Food Service Experience and
- Food Handler Permit: WA, within 30 Days
Preferred
- High School Graduate General Studies, upon hire or
- High School GED General Studies, upon hire and
- Cooking Experience and
- Combination of education and experience
Virginia 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Port Orchard experiences steady demand for cooks, especially in healthcare facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives. Compared to Seattle or Tacoma, competition is moderate, making it a strategic location for culinary professionals seeking growth within well-established hospital networks.
In Port Orchard, cooks must obtain a Washington State Food Handler Permit within 30 days of hire. This certification ensures compliance with local health regulations and emphasizes food safety, a critical aspect of working in healthcare kitchens like those at Catholic Health Initiatives.
Precision in preparing therapeutic diets and safe food handling are paramount. Skills like controlling food temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination, and adapting recipes for allergies distinguish cooks in healthcare settings, ensuring meals meet strict nutritional and safety standards.
Mastery of high-volume meal prep, understanding dietary restrictions, and expertise in equipment like slicers and steamers boost career prospects. Developing leadership and quality control skills can transition a Cook toward roles such as cook manager or specialized therapeutic diet coordinator.
Daily tasks include preparing meals aligned with menu and dietary guidelines, maintaining sanitation standards, and operating kitchen equipment safely. The role demands meticulous attention to food safety protocols to support patient and staff well-being within a fast-paced healthcare environment.
This position integrates culinary skills with healthcare-focused food safety and therapeutic diet preparation, unlike typical restaurant roles. The environment prioritizes patient nutrition and regulatory compliance, offering a unique blend of culinary art and clinical responsibility.
Cooks in Port Orchard healthcare facilities generally earn between $15 and $19 per hour, reflecting the specialized nature of food preparation in medical environments. Experience with therapeutic diets and food safety protocols can positively influence compensation within this range.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives often offers training focused on therapeutic diet preparation, food safety, and sanitation practices to ensure cooks meet healthcare standards. This support helps new hires adapt quickly and maintain high-quality meal service for diverse patient needs.
Given the organization's reputation and comprehensive healthcare services, job seekers face moderate competition. Demonstrated experience in food service, valid WA food handler permits, and knowledge of therapeutic diets enhance a candidate's chances in this sought-after healthcare employer.
Absolutely. Cooks can progress by gaining expertise in therapeutic diets, food safety leadership, or kitchen management. The organization supports career growth through experience and education, enabling transitions into supervisory roles or specialized culinary positions within healthcare.