Cook Aide

Serves residents nutritionally balanced meals and snacks, keeps the pantry and service areas clean, and assists with special functions. Assists with weekly inventory, receives all vendor deliveries, checks in, unpacks, and stores products. This position also washes and sanitizes cooking and serving items as well as kitchen equipment, walls, and floors.

Responsibilities

• Receives instructions from Cook Supervisor for food to be served at designated times and assists in preparation as assigned, including meals and/or snacks.
• Demonstrates positive resident relations and community’s quality care and service standards to residents, families, and guests.
• Maintains a positive, cheerful attitude at all times.
• Functions as resident services contact person during meal periods and processes guest meal charges.
• Cleans and maintains kitchen, storage, and serving areas in sanitary condition according to health code standards.
• Serves residents promptly, courteously, and in an orderly manner.
• Washes, cleans, and sterilizes equipment, dishes, and cooking utensils according to standard procedures.
• Maintains proper table settings; ensures salt and pepper shakers, sugar holders are filled and clean. After meal service, cleans tables and chairs and resets for next meal.
• Assists cooks in tracking food, product inventories, and related records.
• Assists with other duties within the facility as time permits and as requested.
• Attends in-service classes and training as required.
• Takes oral and written direction from cooks and/or Cook Supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or 1-year experience in a food-related field is required.
• One to three months in the position is required to become proficient in most phases of the job with prior food preparation/service experience sufficient to know the basics.
• Completion of the Safe Food Handler’s Course is preferred.
• Ability to safely handle food in accordance with TCC policies and procedures, as well as all state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of principles of food storage, serving, and transportation techniques.
• Skilled in the use of all kitchen and related utensils, equipment, and systems.
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable standards and guidelines of N.C. Board of Health, OSHA, and EBCI for food service and for employees involved in food service and preparation.
• Knowledge of Food Sanitation Systems techniques.
• Ability to read and write, follow written and oral instructions, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to perform simple math calculations.
• Ability to multi-task.

Physical Demands

• Physical effort required includes the ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, reach with arms and hands, bend, and stoop.
• Must have manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to speak and hear.
• Occasionally required to lift weights up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

Works in food preparation environment with heat and wetness present at times; otherwise, a normal work environment is present. Exposed to the potential for burns, falls, back strain, or cuts to fingers and hands. Must have T.B. test and immunizations. Following established safety and sanitation procedures would reduce the likelihood of injuries.

Additional Information

• Follows well-defined procedures and guidelines with judgment and initiative required to maintain accuracy, work efficiency, and meet scheduled deadlines.
• Maintains kitchen equipment and environment in sanitary, orderly condition and is subject to periodic health/CMS inspections.
• Improper use of equipment could cause damage (e.g., microwave oven).
• Must properly handle, store, prepare, and serve food according to stringent guidelines, procedures, and standards. Failure to properly handle food could result in illness, food spoilage/loss, higher food service costs, and low sanitation grade.
• Communicates and works closely with the nursing staff, cook supervisor, Foodservice manager, and Dietitian to ensure resident satisfaction.
• Interacts with residents, guests, and staff in an atmosphere of hospitality.
• Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills by seeking out opportunities to be of service.