Cook
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : New Rockford, ND, 58356
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 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
New Rockford's cook job market is relatively stable but less saturated than larger North Dakota cities. Demand is steady, especially in healthcare facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives, where specialized dietary cooking skills are valued. This creates a niche opportunity for cooks focused on patient-centered meal preparation.
Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler or Dietary Manager credentials can significantly boost employability in New Rockford. Local healthcare employers often prioritize candidates familiar with food safety and therapeutic diet protocols, making these certifications a strong asset.
Mastering precise recipe adherence, understanding dietary restrictions, and maintaining food safety are critical. Additionally, skills in menu planning and efficient kitchen equipment operation help cooks deliver nutritious and appealing meals tailored to patients’ medical needs.
Yes, healthcare cooking roles can lead to positions like dietary supervisor or nutrition coordinator. The specialized knowledge gained about therapeutic diets and patient care environments often opens pathways to managerial or clinical nutrition roles.
Days blend meal prep using standardized recipes, managing food safety checks, assembling patient trays per dietary orders, and maintaining a sanitary kitchen. Collaboration with dietary staff and adapting to therapeutic diet needs are daily priorities to ensure patient satisfaction.
CHI provides training and clear guidelines to help cooks smoothly transition between cooking meals and assembling trays while adhering to dietary restrictions. This dual role encourages teamwork and ensures meals meet both quality and health standards.
Indeed, a $3,000 sign-on incentive is available, reflecting CHI’s commitment to attracting skilled cooks. This bonus complements competitive wages and highlights the organization's focus on recruiting culinary professionals dedicated to healthcare settings.
Cooks in healthcare roles around New Rockford typically earn between $13 and $17 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. This range aligns with regional cost of living and the specialized nature of dietary meal preparation in clinical environments.
One misconception is that hospital cooks only reheat food, but they actually prepare diverse meals from scratch while considering strict dietary needs. Another is the assumption of limited creativity; however, cooks often assist in recipe development to enhance menu variety.