Job Description

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 Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals according to approved menus and established standards within a psychiatric hospital setting for adolescents. This role focuses on consistent execution, food safety, sanitation, and reliability while supporting dietary needs and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The Cook reports to the Lead Cook and works collaboratively to ensure uninterrupted meal service.

Key Responsibilities 

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with approved menus and recipes.
• Follow established food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures.
• Support accurate implementation of special diets and allergy requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food storage areas.
• Assist with food inventory, rotation, and waste reduction.
• Communicate dietary concerns or supply needs to the Lead Cook.
• Ensure compliance with Utah Department of Health, CMS, Joint Commission, and food safety standards.
• Maintain ServSafe certification and Food Handler permit.

Essential Functions

• Execute daily meal preparation and service tasks.
• Monitor food temperatures and storage requirements.
• Maintain kitchen logs, cleaning checklists, and safety documentation.
• Support coverage needs for vacations and time off as scheduled.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and professional kitchen environment.

Competency—

• Action Oriented: Completes assigned tasks reliably and efficiently.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with the Lead Cook and team.
• Innovation: Suggests practical improvements to food preparation and workflow.
• Patient Focus: Ensures meals meet dietary and safety needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Works respectfully with staff and clinical teams.
• Teamwork: Supports kitchen operations collaboratively.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates proficiency in food preparation and sanitation.

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

QUALIFICATIONS – COOK Required:

• 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)
• Working knowledge of computers

Preferred:

● Experience in healthcare or institutional food service

Benefits

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

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