Cook
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Devils Lake, ND, 58301
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 15.71-22.19 HOUR
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Cook & Dietary Aide, you will play a vital role in ensuring our patients and residents receive nutritious and delicious meals. This dual role combines culinary skills with dietary knowledge to provide a comprehensive food service experience. You will be responsible for preparing meals according to standardized recipes, assisting with meal service, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment, and adhering to dietary restrictions and guidelines.
Responsibilities:
Cook:
- Prepare meals according to standardized recipes and menus, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, and desserts.
- Monitor food temperatures and ensure proper cooking times to meet food safety standards.
- Assist with menu planning and recipe development.
- Maintain inventory of food supplies and notify supervisor of needed items.
- Ensure proper storage and handling of food products.
- Operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Dietary Aide:
- Prepare and assemble patient/resident meal trays according to dietary orders and preferences.
- Serve meals to patients/residents in a timely and courteous manner.
- Assist with cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen and dining areas.
- Wash dishes, utensils, and equipment.
- Stock supplies and maintain inventory levels.
- Assist with special events and catering as needed.
- Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines.
- Communicate effectively with patients/residents, dietary staff, and other healthcare professionals.
- Adhere to dietary restrictions and guidelines, including therapeutic diets.
**$3,000 Sign-on Incentive**
Job Requirements
- Medical Facility Food experience preferred.
CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, licensed by the North Dakota State Department of Health, and certified by the Department of Health and Human Services for participation in the Medicare Program. Our hospital has been committed to providing patients quality medical treatment in the Lake Region area and surrounding communities since 1902.
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Frequently asked questions
In a healthcare-focused kitchen such as Catholic Health Initiatives, mastering precise cooking methods that preserve nutrients and adhere to dietary restrictions is key. Skills like controlled temperature cooking, portioning for therapeutic diets, and maintaining food safety standards ensure patient meals are both safe and appetizing.
Cooks in Devils Lake healthcare facilities focus heavily on nutrition and dietary compliance, unlike restaurant cooks who prioritize flavor and presentation. Here, preparing meals according to medical guidelines and accommodating therapeutic diets is crucial, blending culinary skills with healthcare awareness.
Cooks in medical settings often progress to supervisory roles like Kitchen Manager or Dietary Supervisor. Gaining certifications in food safety and dietetics can open doors to specialized positions, especially within North Dakota’s healthcare institutions, where expertise in therapeutic diets is valued.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, cooks not only prepare meals but also assemble patient trays per dietary orders, ensuring meals meet individual health needs. This dual responsibility requires coordination with healthcare staff and adherence to strict sanitation protocols uncommon in typical cooking roles.
Devils Lake has a moderate demand for skilled cooks, especially those with experience in healthcare food service. With limited specialized candidates locally, employers like Catholic Health Initiatives offer incentives, making it advantageous for cooks with dietary knowledge to pursue opportunities here.
The work environment at Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes teamwork between kitchen staff and healthcare professionals. Cooks are expected to maintain high hygiene standards and adapt to patient dietary needs, fostering a culture of care and precision distinct from typical food service sectors.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives offers a $3,000 sign-on incentive for new Cook and Dietary Aide hires. This bonus reflects the facility’s commitment to attracting qualified culinary professionals in Devils Lake, acknowledging the specialized skills required in healthcare food preparation.
Cooks in hospital settings around Devils Lake typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Considering the healthcare environment, wages may be slightly higher than average cooking jobs, reflecting the specialized dietary knowledge required.
Dietary restrictions shape every cooking decision, from ingredient selection to portion sizes. Cooks must tailor recipes to accommodate allergies, therapeutic diets, and nutritional guidelines, ensuring patient safety while delivering meals that meet hospital standards.
Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and knowledge of therapeutic diet principles are highly regarded in Devils Lake healthcare kitchens. These credentials demonstrate readiness to comply with local health regulations and meet the nutritional needs of patients effectively.