StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) is seeking a full-time Dietary Aide/Cook to join its outstanding Hospital team. The Dietary Aide/Cook is a full-time member of the Food Services team responsible for supporting the nutritional needs of patients in a Mental Health Hospital setting. Working under the direction of a licensed dietitian, this role helps plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals that meet specialized dietary requirements. The Dietary Aide/Cook ensures a clean, safe, and compliant commercial kitchen environment, maintains accurate inventory, and follows all health, safety, and regulatory standards. This position plays a vital role in supporting patient wellness, contributing to a therapeutic environment, and ensuring consistent, high-quality food service operations throughout the facility.
Responsibilities:
-
Assist in planning, preparing, cooking, and serving meals and snacks according to dietitian approved menus, dietary restrictions, allergies, and physician ordered diets.
- Follow standardized recipes, portion guidelines, and food safety procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Clean and sanitize all kitchen areas, equipment, utensils, and food storage spaces in accordance with environmental health and infection control standards.
- Set up and break down meal service areas; ensure accurate and timely meal delivery to patient units.
- Monitor and document food temperatures; properly store, label, and rotate food items to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
- Assist with inventory management, including stocking, rotating supplies, and reporting shortages; support receiving and storing deliveries.
- Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely, reporting malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
- Ensure all food service operations comply with city, state, federal, and facility regulations, including HIPAA confidentiality expectations.
- Maintain readiness for inspections, audits, and accreditation reviews by adhering to best practices and facility policies.
- Collaborate with dietitians, nursing staff, and other team members to support patient nutritional needs and respond to diet changes.
-
Maintain regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours.
- Ensure all required training and credentials (e.g. Food Handlers, CPR, SAMA, etc.) are current and compliant with Center, federal, state, and local regulations, in addition to StarCare policies and procedures. Maintain adherence to Joint Commission standards and all applicable guidelines governing inpatient services and treatment.
-
Complete special departmental projects and other responsibilities with similar skill and work conditions as assigned.
-
Support all activities in alignment with StarCare’s mission, values, and operational goals.
Schedule:
This is a full-time, on-site, hourly position. Work schedules consist of rotating 12-hour shifts. Kitchen operations are typically staffed between 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., seven days per week. Work hours may vary to meet the operational needs of the department.
Benefit Package:
StarCare offers an expansive benefit package including but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, retirement plan with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.
Qualifications:
-
High School Diploma required.
- Must have a current Texas driver’s license and be insurable under the Center’s insurance.
- Must pass all pre-employment and annual screenings, including drug screen, criminal background, and MVR, etc.
Skills & Abilities:
- Problem Solving: Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions.
-
Communication: Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills to convey information clearly and professionally.
-
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
-
Exhibiting Corporate Values: Demonstrates behaviors and decision-making aligned with the organization’s core values and mission.
-
Documentation: Proficient in accurately recording, organizing, and maintaining information in various formats.
-
Productivity & Reliability: Demonstrates consistent performance, meets deadlines, manages time effectively, and maintains dependability in fulfilling job responsibilities.
-
Job Specific Safety: Understands and follows safety protocols and procedures relevant to the role and work environment.
WHY CHOOSE STARCARE?
Welcome to StarCare Specialty Health System, where your passion for making a difference thrives! At StarCare, we imagine a community where all people have hope and the opportunity to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing. Here's why you should choose StarCare:
-
Impactful Purpose: Contribute to meaningful change as the state-designated Local Authority for mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. Be a catalyst for positive empowerment.
-
Comprehensive Care: StarCare offers a broad array of specialty healthcare services that support and empower people as valued members of the community.
-
Collaborative Environment: StarCare is proud to work with a network of community stakeholders to ensure all people have access to the healthcare they need.
-
Professional Growth: StarCare offers many different opportunities for growth in the fields of mental health, substance use disorders, aging, intellectual & developmental disabilities, veterans, and healthcare administration. Come grow your career with us!
-
Legacy of Service: Since 1967, StarCare has provided hope and health to Lubbock, Hockley, Lynn, Crosby, and Cochran counties.
At StarCare Specialty Health System, your work is not a job. It's a fulfilling journey of providing hope and supporting and empowering people as valued members of the community. Ready to get started? We’ve been waiting for you!
EEO Statement: StarCare Specialty Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 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.
