Cook - UI Health Food

Aramark
Full-time•Illinois, United States
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📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cook - UI Health Food

Company: Aramark

Location: Aramark Healthcare+, IL 60612, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Culinary / Food Service

Date Posted: June 10, 2025

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🍳 Role Summary

  • Bring culinary recipes to life within a healthcare food service environment, focusing on taste, presentation, and nutritional guidelines.
  • Utilize fresh ingredients and kitchen equipment to explore various cuisines, flavors, and cooking styles while adhering to strict production guidelines.
  • Maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation throughout the food preparation and cooking process to ensure patient and staff well-being.
  • Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive demeanor when interacting with guests, customers, clients, and co-workers in a healthcare setting.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description is for a Cook role, the prompt requires enhancing a *design* job description. This response must adhere to the culinary context provided in the input data while using the requested HTML structure and section headers intended for a design role enhancement. The content within the sections will reflect the culinary role, but the structure and headings are those requested for the design enhancement format.

🍽️ Primary Responsibilities

  • Cook and prepare a variety of food items following established production guidelines and standardized recipes to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Set up and organize the workstation efficiently with all necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment before beginning food preparation.
  • Prepare food ingredients accurately by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling according to recipe specifications.
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and skillfully, including ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, and other culinary tools.
  • Employ various cooking methods such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming for meats, vegetables, and other food items.
  • Properly arrange, garnish, and portion food according to established standards for presentation and serving.
  • Store food items correctly by strictly adhering to all food safety policies and procedures to prevent spoilage and contamination.
  • Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, and utensils thoroughly to maintain a hygienic kitchen environment.
  • Ensure accurate adherence to Aramark safety policies and procedures, specifically focusing on food safety and sanitation protocols.
  • Maintain the security of company assets within the kitchen and storage areas.
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities detailed are directly derived from the provided job description for a Cook role. These are fundamental tasks within a culinary setting, emphasizing food preparation, safety, and hygiene.

🔪 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational degree is mentioned, practical culinary training or a relevant certification is likely beneficial for understanding food preparation principles and safety regulations.

Experience: Requires previous experience as a cook or in a closely related food service role, demonstrating practical cooking skills and familiarity with kitchen operations.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in various cooking methods (baking, roasting, broiling, steaming).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic food preparation principles.
  • Strong understanding and practice of food safety regulations (e.g., proper handling, sanitation, storage).
  • Ability to safely and effectively use kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Basic math and counting skills for measuring ingredients and portioning.
  • Interpersonal communication skills (written and verbal) for interacting with colleagues and customers.

Preferred Skills:

  • Food safety certification (likely required upon hiring if not already possessed).
  • Experience in a healthcare or institutional food service setting.
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes accurately.
📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills are based on common expectations for a Cook role, particularly within a healthcare food service context where safety and adherence to guidelines are critical. The mention of acquiring food safety certification is explicitly stated.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • While a traditional design portfolio is not applicable, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with different cooking techniques and types of cuisine.
  • Examples of dishes prepared, potentially through photographs or descriptions, could illustrate culinary skills and presentation abilities.
  • Discussion of experience following and adapting standardized recipes while maintaining quality and consistency.
  • Highlighting experience in preparing meals for specific dietary needs or restrictions relevant to a healthcare setting.

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to describe the process of preparing a specific dish from ingredient preparation to final plating.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the steps involved in ensuring food safety throughout the cooking process.
  • Explanation of how ingredient measurements and cooking times are managed for consistency.
📝 Enhancement Note: This section adapts the "Portfolio & Creative Requirements" heading to the culinary context. Instead of a design portfolio, it focuses on demonstrating culinary skills and process through examples and descriptions. The concept of "process documentation" is translated to explaining cooking steps and safety protocols.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The hourly rate for this position is explicitly stated as $19.29. This is Aramark's expected compensation for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Access to Work/Life Resources
  • Retirement Savings Plans (such as 401(k))
  • Paid Days Off (may include parental leave and disability coverage)

Working Hours: The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are likely full-time, given the job description. The role may require flexibility based on the operational needs of the UI Health Food service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information is directly from the job posting. The benefits listed are also directly from the provided description of Aramark's offerings. Working hours are inferred as full-time.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Hospitals and Health Care. Aramark Healthcare+ specializes in providing services, including patient and retail food services, to healthcare facilities.

Company Size: Large enterprise with over 10,001 employees globally, as indicated by LinkedIn data (specifically 3886 employees listed on LinkedIn for Aramark Healthcare+ with a parent company size of 10,001+).

Founded: The founding date for Aramark Healthcare+ is not explicitly provided, but the parent company Aramark has a long history in the service industry.

Team Structure:

  • Likely part of a larger food service team within the UI Health facility.
  • Reports to a Kitchen Supervisor or Food Service Manager.
  • Collaborates with other cooks, kitchen staff, and potentially dietary professionals.

Methodology:

  • Adherence to standardized recipes and production guidelines.
  • Strict implementation of food safety and sanitation protocols.
  • Focus on efficient food preparation and timely service.

Company Website: https://healthcareinsights.aramark.com/healthcareplus

📝 Enhancement Note: Company size and industry information are derived from the provided LinkedIn data. Team structure and methodology are inferred based on the nature of a Cook role within a healthcare food service environment and the responsibilities listed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is at an entry to early career level within the culinary field, specifically as a Cook.

Reporting Structure: The Cook will likely report to a more senior culinary figure, such as a Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, or Food Service Manager, who oversees daily kitchen operations.

Design Impact: While not a design role, the impact of the Cook is directly on patient and staff well-being through the preparation of nourishing and safe food. Quality of cooking and adherence to dietary needs contribute to the overall patient experience in a healthcare setting.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to a Lead Cook or Kitchen Supervisor role with demonstrated skill and leadership.
  • Opportunities to specialize in specific areas like baking, pastry, or dietary-specific cooking.
  • Potential for cross-training in other areas of food service or hospitality within Aramark.
📝 Enhancement Note: Career level, reporting structure, and growth opportunities are based on typical progression paths for culinary roles within large food service organizations like Aramark, particularly within a healthcare context. "Design Impact" is adapted to focus on the impact of the culinary role.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The work environment is an on-site kitchen located within a healthcare facility (UI Health). This is a dynamic and often fast-paced setting focused on food production and service.

Office Location(s): Aramark Healthcare+, IL 60612, US. This location is likely within the UI Health campus or a connected facility.

Design Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will be a professional kitchen equipped with standard culinary tools and equipment.
  • Collaboration spaces are primarily within the kitchen area, working closely with other members of the food service team.
  • Access to resources for food preparation, storage, and cleaning will be readily available.

Work Schedule: The schedule will be on-site and may involve various shifts, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and possibly holidays, common in healthcare food service operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are inferred from the job title indicating a location within UI Health and the nature of a Cook role which is inherently on-site in a kitchen. The "Design Workspace Context" is adapted to describe a culinary workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

  • Initial application submission via the provided link.
  • Potential screening call to discuss basic qualifications and experience.
  • Interview(s) focusing on culinary experience, knowledge of food safety, and ability to follow instructions.
  • May include a practical cooking demonstration or skills assessment.
  • Discussion of experience working in a team environment and handling pressure during busy periods.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • As a culinary role, focus on clearly articulating your cooking experience and knowledge.
  • Be prepared to discuss specific dishes you are proficient in preparing.
  • Highlight any experience with special dietary needs or large-volume cooking.
  • Emphasize your understanding and practice of food safety and sanitation.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready to discuss how you handle common kitchen challenges, such as managing multiple tasks, working under time constraints, or addressing unexpected issues.
  • Prepare to demonstrate basic knife skills and knowledge of ingredient preparation.
  • Practice explaining your process for ensuring food safety from preparation to serving.

ATS Keywords: Cook, Culinary, Food Preparation, Food Service, Kitchen, Food Safety, Sanitation, Healthcare Food, Recipes, Cooking Methods, Ingredients, Portioning, Plating, Customer Service, Teamwork, Inventory, HACCP, ServSafe, Dietary Restrictions, High Volume Cooking, Institutional Food Service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and preparation tips are tailored to a culinary role, focusing on practical skills, food safety knowledge, and experience rather than design-specific elements. The ATS keywords are relevant to the food service industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

  • Standard kitchen equipment (ovens, stoves, grills, fryers).
  • Various knives and cutting tools for ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring cups, spoons, scales, and other quantitative tools.
  • Pots, pans, trays, and other cooking vessels.

Collaboration & Handoff:

  • Communication with kitchen staff, supervisors, and potentially serving staff.
  • Following production sheets and standardized recipes.
  • Proper labeling and storage of prepared food items.

Research & Testing:

  • Understanding of recipe development and potential adjustments for dietary needs.
  • Quality checks on ingredients and finished dishes (taste, temperature, appearance).
  • Adherence to temperature logs and other food safety documentation.
📝 Enhancement Note: This section is adapted to describe the tools and technology used in a culinary role, focusing on kitchen equipment and operational processes rather than design software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

  • Service Excellence: A commitment to providing high-quality food and service to patients and staff.
  • Safety and Hygiene: Prioritizing food safety and maintaining a clean work environment as paramount.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other kitchen and food service staff to ensure smooth operations.
  • Efficiency: Preparing food in a timely and organized manner to meet service demands.

Collaboration Style:

  • Close collaboration within the kitchen team, often working in defined stations.
  • Communication with supervisors regarding inventory, production needs, and issues.
  • Coordination with front-of-house or serving staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery.
📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are based on the nature of a food service role within a healthcare setting, emphasizing service, safety, and teamwork. "Design Values" is adapted to reflect culinary values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

  • Managing multiple cooking tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ensuring strict adherence to dietary requirements and allergy protocols for patient meals.
  • Maintaining consistent food quality and appearance across large production volumes.
  • Adapting to changing menus or production schedules.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Training in advanced cooking techniques or specialized cuisines.
  • Opportunities to learn about dietary needs and therapeutic diets in a healthcare context.
  • Potential for cross-training in other areas of food service operations.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are focused on the specific demands and potential advancements within a culinary role, particularly in a healthcare setting. "Design Challenges" is adapted to reflect culinary challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

  • Describe your process for preparing a specific dish from start to finish, emphasizing food safety steps.
  • How do you prioritize tasks when cooking multiple items simultaneously during a busy service?
  • Explain your method for ensuring consistent quality and taste when following a standardized recipe.

Company Culture Questions:

  • What does "service excellence" mean to you in a healthcare food service setting?
  • How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with your kitchen team members?
  • Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to an unexpected change in the kitchen.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Be prepared to verbally walk through your experience with different cooking methods and types of food.
  • If you have photos of dishes you've prepared, be ready to share and discuss them.
  • Focus on explaining your understanding of food safety protocols and how you implement them daily.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section provides questions and advice specifically relevant to a Cook position, focusing on practical skills, safety knowledge, and behavioral aspects relevant to a kitchen environment. "Design Process Questions" and "Portfolio Presentation Strategy" are adapted to the culinary context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this culinary position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Review the job description carefully to understand the required experience and skills for a Cook role.
  • Prepare to discuss your culinary experience, including types of cuisine you've cooked and techniques you've mastered.
  • Be ready to articulate your knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Research Aramark and Aramark Healthcare+ to understand their mission and values in providing food services.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and food service industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
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