Salt Lake City
Job Description Lead Cook Grow Your Career. Change Their Future. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Type: Full-Time Location: Ascent Behavioral Hospital – Millcreek, UT About Ascent Behavioral Hospital At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate care, helping adolescents navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a supportive and safe environment. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents who are in need of our services. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and safety. Position Summary The Lead Cook plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, consistent, and therapeutic delivery of meals to adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting. This position is responsible for executing menus developed in collaboration with the hospital Dietitian, overseeing food preparation and service, managing kitchen budgets, maintaining compliance with all food safety and regulatory standards, and ensuring uninterrupted meal service coverage. The Lead Cook works closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Dietitian, Admissions, and clinical teams to meet dietary needs while supporting a safe and structured treatment environment. Key Responsibilities • Execute approved menus developed in collaboration with the Dietitian, ensuring consistency, quality, and nutritional accuracy., • Collaborate with the Dietitian to modify menus as needed for allergies, medical diets, religious considerations, and special dietary requirements., • Manage kitchen budgets, food ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction., • Develop, implement, and adhere to a comprehensive kitchen cleaning and sanitation schedule., • Ensure continuous kitchen coverage by coordinating schedules, vacation, and time off with the other kitchen staff., • Oversee food preparation, portion control, meal presentation, and timely service., • Track and communicate all dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions in coordination with Admissions, Medical, and clinical teams., • Maintain compliance with Utah Department of Health regulations, CMS standards, Joint Commission standards, and food safety inspection requirements., • Ensure ServSafe certification, Food Handler permits, and ongoing food safety training requirements are maintained., • Participate in hospital safety initiatives and support a therapeutic, structured dining environment appropriate for adolescents., • Maintain accurate documentation related to food safety, inspections, cleaning logs, temperature logs, and inventory. Essential Functions • Prepare and serve meals in accordance with approved menus and established schedules., • Monitor food storage, preparation, and service to ensure compliance with food safety standards., • Coordinate with Admissions regarding new patient dietary needs and allergy tracking., • Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and reported for repair when needed., • Maintain a clean, organized, and secure kitchen environment., • Collaborate with clinical and operations leadership to support patient safety and satisfaction. Competency— • Action Oriented: Takes initiative, achieves results, and accepts accountability., • Leadership: Provides direction, coordination, and oversight of kitchen operations., • Communication: Communicates clearly with staff, leadership, and clinical teams., • Innovation: Identifies improvements in food service efficiency, quality, and cost control., • Patient Focus: Ensures meals support patient health, safety, and treatment goals., • Interpersonal Skills: Works effectively with diverse teams in a clinical environment., • Teamwork: Collaborates across departments to achieve operational goals., • Technical Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. Supervisory responsibilities • Coordinate daily kitchen operations and task assignments., • Support scheduling coordination and coverage planning., • Monitor adherence to food safety, sanitation, and documentation standards. EEO Statement Ascent Behavioral Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment is based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the hospital. Ascent Behavioral Hospital provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Ascent Behavioral Hospital complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment where the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Ascent Behavioral Hospital expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Ascent Behavioral Hospital employees to perform their job duties may result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Requirements Qualifications Please ensure your resume includes education, work experience, certifications, and licenses • 1 year management experience, • 1 year professional culinary experience, • Current Utah Food Handler's Permit &/OR ServSafe (may obtain after accepting job offer), • Obtain easily here or anywhere approved by the State of Utah, • High School diploma or equivalent, • Able to pass pre-employment drug screen, • Able to pass criminal investigation background check, • Able to pass motor vehicle record check (if applicable), • Current Utah driver's license (within 30 days of employment), • First Aid & CPR certified (we may provide) Why Join Ascent Behavioral Hospital? • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in adolescent mental health., • Supportive, mission-driven culture with a focus on teamwork and growth., • Competitive compensation and benefits (medical, dental, vision, retirement, PTO)., • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities., • Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after probationary period for full-time employees, • Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA), • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), • Continued professional development & certification opportunities, • Significant discounts for hundreds of professional gear brands, • A few hours or less from Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell, • A few hours from many world-class ski resorts