Prep Cook
Company : Shriners Children's Florida
Location : Salem, OR, 97317
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 22 December 2025
Company Overview
Shriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid-sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi-disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidenced based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.
All employees are eligible for medical coverage on their first day! In addition, upon hire all employees are eligible for a 403(b) and Roth 403 (b) Retirement Saving Plan with matching contributions of up to 6% after one year of service. Employees in a FT or PT status (40+ hours per pay period) will also be eligible for paid time off, life insurance, short term and long-term disability and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans and a Health Savings Account (HSA) if a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is elected. Additional benefits available to FT and PT employees include tuition reimbursement, home & auto, hospitalization, critical illness, pet insurance and much more! Coverage is available to employees and their qualified dependents in accordance with the plans. Benefits may vary based on state law.
Job Overview
We currently have an opening for a full-time Cook to join our Portland, OR team. Prepares and cooks food for patients, employees, visitors, volunteers and for special catered functions. Washes and sanitizes all pots and pans used in the preparation, service and storage of food products in the Nutrition Services Department.
Schedule: Full-time (in-person)
*Variable shift position, Saturday, Sunday mornings 6:00am-2:30pm and Monday through Friday 6:00am-6:30pm*
Holidays: 9 observed holidays per year
Responsibilities
- Demonstrates skills and abilities to perform food preparation (including maintaining food temperatures), set-up, and service for patients (including special diets) and cafeteria customers
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills to follow menus, recipes, and product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, and serving menu items
- Assembles coffee and pastry carts as needed
- Assists with thorough clean up after functions in a timely manner
- Demonstrates ability to handle food items according to Department of Health temperature standards. Uses techniques which prevent cross-contamination of potentially hazardous foods
- Demonstrates ability to safely and efficiently use a wide variety of kitchen equipment (Meat slicer, steamers, mixer, convection oven, deep-fat fryer, choppers, and grill)
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills to operate cash register according to manufacturer's instructions. Competently rings up cafeteria sales, makes correct change, and is able to reconcile cash drawer at the end of the shift
- Effectively manages daily workload so co-workers may be assisted when necessary
This is not an all inclusive list of this job's responsibilities. The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Oregon Food Handlers Card
Preferred
- High School Diploma/GED
- 2 years experience as Cook
- Cashier/hospital experience
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Frequently asked questions
Salem’s food service sector shows a steady demand for prep cooks, with local restaurants and healthcare providers seeking reliable talent. Competition remains moderate, making it a favorable environment for those with a valid Oregon food handlers card and some kitchen experience to secure a role quickly.
In Salem, having an Oregon food handlers card is essential for prep cooks, especially in healthcare settings. Additional credentials like basic food safety training or prior hospital kitchen experience can give candidates an advantage, reflecting the stringent hygiene standards in pediatric specialty care environments.
Mastery of food prep techniques such as maintaining proper temperatures and seasoning recipes is vital. Prep cooks should be adept at using kitchen equipment like steamers, deep-fat fryers, and mixers, ensuring safety and efficiency while preventing cross-contamination in busy kitchens.
Starting as a prep cook offers foundational culinary skills, opening pathways to roles like line cook or sous chef. Gaining experience in specialized kitchens, like healthcare or catering, combined with further culinary education, can accelerate advancement in the culinary field.
Tasks include preparing meals adhering to special diets, assembling service carts, and sanitizing cookware. They also handle cash register duties during cafeteria sales, requiring multitasking and adherence to health regulations vital in patient-centered food service.
Shriners Children's Florida emphasizes a compassionate and innovative environment, focusing on pediatric specialty care. Prep cooks here engage with diverse dietary needs and benefit from comprehensive health and retirement plans, making it a supportive workplace with a community-driven culture.
Employees receive medical coverage from day one, with access to 403(b) retirement plans featuring matching contributions. Additional perks include paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and various insurance options, underscoring the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
Prep cooks in Salem typically earn between $13 and $17 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Healthcare settings like Shriners Children's may offer competitive wages aligned with the city’s living costs and the specialized nature of patient meal preparation.
Searching for 'am prep cook jobs near me' or filtering job boards by morning shift availability in Salem can uncover openings. Many local healthcare and catering services schedule early shifts, ideal for those preferring daytime work hours.