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Cook Lead
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Lufkin, TX, 77836
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 15-19.64 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 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.
- Champions food quality standards of appearance, taste, temperature and sanitation
- 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
- Maintains proper labeling of food products and ensures storage of food equipment, and machinery per regulations and facility guidelines
- Performs washing and cleaning duties to ensure sanitation and cleanliness in cooking and serving areas
Required
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in food services
- Food Handler Permit: TX, within 30 Days
- Servsafe Certification within 30 Days
Preferred
- one (1) year of hospital experience
- Associates Other or two (2) years of equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of the Associate’s degree. , upon hire
St. Luke’s Health-Memorial paves the way for quality, innovative health care in East Texas and provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year. With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine, St. Luke’s Health-Memorial provides millions of dollars in charity care and community support each year.
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Frequently asked questions
In Lufkin, TX, a Cook Lead must be well-versed in state-specific food safety laws, including timely acquisition of Texas food handler permits and ServSafe certification. These local standards ensure meals meet healthcare sanitation requirements, crucial for patient safety in hospital kitchens.
Absolutely, preparing meals that cater to therapeutic diets is integral in healthcare roles such as a Cook Lead. This involves customizing recipes to accommodate allergies and special nutritional needs, ensuring patient wellness aligns with hospital dietary protocols.
Hospital-based cooks can progress to leadership positions, such as Cook Lead roles, by gaining experience in therapeutic diet preparation, mastering food safety certifications, and demonstrating management skills. This path offers growth in healthcare nutrition services.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, a Cook Lead might navigate a diverse patient demographic requiring meticulous adherence to multiple therapeutic diets, alongside strict compliance with federal and state food prep regulations. The focus on community care adds a layer of service commitment.
Catholic Health Initiatives encourages ongoing certification, offers hands-on training with advanced kitchen equipment, and promotes internal career growth, fostering a supportive environment for Cook Leads to enhance culinary and leadership skills within a healthcare context.
Cook Lead salaries in Lufkin typically range between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, reflecting healthcare industry standards and local cost of living. Compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for overtime, aligning with regional demand for experienced culinary professionals.
Demand in Lufkin’s healthcare kitchens tends to remain stable year-round, though slight increases may occur during flu seasons or public health events, requiring Cook Leads to manage higher meal volumes while maintaining strict food safety and dietary standards.
Beyond culinary skills, a Cook aiming for Lead roles should secure a food handler permit and ServSafe certification promptly, ideally within 30 days of hire. Experience in hospital food services and familiarity with therapeutic diets significantly enhance promotion prospects.
A Cook Lead in Lufkin not only prepares meals but also oversees food quality standards, ensures compliance with health regulations, manages kitchen sanitation, and coordinates with dietary teams. This leadership component distinguishes it from typical line cook duties.
Local community values in East Texas emphasize patient-centered care and teamwork, which shape the work culture at St. Luke’s Health-Memorial. Cook Leads adapt by fostering collaboration, embracing patient dietary needs, and engaging in community health initiatives.