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On-Call/Registry Cook

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Aug 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made a mistake on an order. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Ownership and honesty when something goes wrong in the kitchen.

What would you do

You are called in on short notice. How do you get up to speed in a kitchen you work in only some of the time?

What they are checking: Reliability and quick adaptation as an on-call cook.

Orders are backing up and a patient is waiting for their meal. What do you do?

What they are checking: Staying calm and organized under pressure and asking for help when needed.

The posting mentions helping patients as needed. How would you help a patient who uses a wheelchair at the counter?

What they are checking: Respect and patience with patients who have disabilities.

About the work

Walk me through how you run the grill during a busy breakfast, from pancakes to sausage.

What they are checking: Practical grill skill and timing so orders come out hot and correct.

How do you make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature?

What they are checking: Knowledge of safe cooking temperatures and use of a thermometer.

Patients may have special diets or allergies. How do you avoid cross-contamination on the grill?

What they are checking: Awareness of allergen safety, which matters a lot in a hospital kitchen.

What steps do you follow to break down and clean the grill after a meal?

What they are checking: Thorough cleaning habits that keep the kitchen safe and ready for the next service.

How do you set up a steam table so food stays at the right temperature?

What they are checking: Knowledge of hot holding temperatures and food safety.

Do you have a food handler or food safety certification?

What they are checking: Basic food safety training that the hospital will expect.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Cook will prepare and cook to order fast food on a grill, including pancakes, sausage, hamburgers and the like; prepare steam table or other equipment used in serving meals; break down and clean grill after each meal and assist patients as needed. The Cook will consistently demonstrate support of the SRALAB statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Cook will demonstrate SRALAB Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRALAB Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Cook will: • Prepare, cook and serve meals in the cafeteria. • Provide courteous and timely setup and service in the cafeteria. • Maintain the sanitation and cleanliness of the service ware, pots, pans, equipment, and work and service areas. • Follow safe food handling practices, maintain food items at appropriate temperatures and follow established storage practices. Sustain a sanitary work environment according to health standards and Department policies. • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of SRALAB. Reporting Relationships • Reports directly to Food Service Supervisor. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Ability to read, understand and follow written and verbal instructions and use standard measuring devices in preparing and cooking food normally acquired through completion of elementary school. • Approximately one to three months of on-the-job experience to become familiar with food preparation and department policies and procedures. • Ability to manipulate various cooking devices and foods weighing up to ten pounds. • Interpersonal skills necessary to deal with staff, patients and their families in a polite and courteous manner. • Ability to coordinate several tasks simultaneously. Working Conditions • Normal office or patient environment with occasional exposure to high noise levels and hazards due to slippery floors and hot equipment when going through food production areas. • Kitchen environment with exposure to regular physical discomforts from heat and humidity and possible burns from grill. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: 19.00 USD Hourly Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Benefits Learn about the benefits of working at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including vacation hour, healthcare plans, 401k and more. Benefits Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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