COOK
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Seattle, WA, 98101
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 27.28-37.36 HOUR
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Cook, you will be a central figure in our culinary team, skillfully preparing diverse food products using advanced techniques, standard recipes, and precise plating guidelines to meet demanding production schedules. You will ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to the highest health and safety standards.
Every day, you will expertly process food items, meticulously ensure proper utilization and storage of all kitchen supplies, and participate in recipe and menu development. You will also maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of equipment and work areas throughout your shift, strictly following health, safety, and sanitary procedures.
To be successful in this role, you will combine robust culinary skills, a keen understanding of kitchen operations, and a meticulous attention to detail in food preparation and sanitation. You will thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment, contributing to menu innovation and maintaining cleanliness.
Job Requirements
We require
- High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience, and two years food service
experience.
Licensure/Certification
● Current (within the past 12 months) ServSafe® Allergen and Food Service Handler Certifications. If not currently
certified, certification to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
● Washington State Food Worker Card.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state - CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.
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Frequently asked questions
In Seattle, especially within healthcare environments like Catholic Health Initiatives, having a current ServSafe® allergen and food handler certification plus a Washington State food worker card is essential. These credentials ensure compliance with local health regulations and maintain high food safety standards.
Seattle's culinary scene is vibrant with rising demand for skilled cooks, particularly in healthcare and catering sectors. Competition is moderate, but candidates with food safety certifications and experience in fast-paced kitchens, such as those at Catholic Health Initiatives, tend to stand out.
Beyond cooking, a cook must excel in kitchen organization, precise recipe adherence, and sanitation. Attention to plating standards and ability to innovate menus while managing supply inventories are vital skills, especially in high-volume, quality-focused settings.
Indeed, starting as a Cook opens doors to roles like Sous Chef, Dietary Cook, or Catering Cook. Gaining expertise in food service operations and certifications can propel growth in culinary management or specialized private cook positions.
Cooks at CHI face fast-paced meal prep demands, strict health protocols, and maintaining cleanliness under time pressure. Balancing menu innovation with consistent quality and allergen awareness is a continual challenge requiring adaptability and focus.
Working at CHI involves adhering to rigorous healthcare food safety standards and collaborating within a multidisciplinary medical team. The role emphasizes patient nutrition and sanitation more than typical restaurant cook jobs.
Cooks in Seattle healthcare environments typically earn between $16 and $22 per hour, influenced by experience and certifications. Facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives offer competitive wages aligned with local cost of living and healthcare industry standards.
Yes, Washington mandates a valid food worker card and adherence to state health codes. Compliance with ServSafe® standards is critical to ensure safe food service, especially within institutional settings like hospitals.
Seattle's healthcare kitchens often operate on tight schedules to serve diverse patient needs. Cooks must be prepared for variable shifts, sometimes early mornings or weekends, reflecting the city's emphasis on continuous, high-quality patient care.
CHI offers structured onboarding focusing on food safety certifications, kitchen protocols, and menu specifics. New cooks receive hands-on guidance to master hospital culinary standards, fostering professional growth within a supportive healthcare environment.