Cook

Department: Dietary • Reports to: Food Service Director

About the role

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals in accordance with Viva Senior Living’s policies, nutritional programs, and individual resident plans. The role requires adherence to health, safety, and regulatory standards, compassionate service to residents, and collaboration with peers in a congenial work environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve all menu items according to departmental policies and procedures, ensuring presentation meets established standards.
• Follow nutritional programs and individual dietary plans for residents.
• Maintain food quality in taste, presentation, and adherence to dietary requirements.
• Perform sanitary measures, including sweeping floors, cleaning surfaces, and proper food storage.
• Work efficiently and consistently to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
• Ensure meals meet residents' dietary requirements and are prepared in correct quantities.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and effectively during food preparation.
• Stay productive and prepare for future needs as time allows.
• Demonstrate flexibility by volunteering to fill open shifts due to staffing variations.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for accidents, incidents, and policy infractions.
• Adhere to regulations for bloodborne pathogens, infection control, hazardous materials, and fire safety.
• Maintain adequate inventory levels by ordering and receiving food and supplies in a timely manner.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Serve food in proper portion sizes and at the correct temperature.
• Arrive at work on time and perform other related duties as required.
• Ensure residents and families receive high-quality, compassionate service.
• Report occupational exposures, work-related injuries, and illnesses immediately.
• Complete all assigned training and skills competency as a condition of employment.
• Participate in life safety and emergency drills, and fulfill responsibilities during emergency plan activation.
• Assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Report non-compliance, breaches in confidentiality, or allegations of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Protect residents from abuse and cooperate with investigations.
• Report suspicions of crime to law enforcement and the state agency.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Annual verification of a negative TB skin test.
• Must meet general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.

Physical and sensory requirements

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress associated with the position.
• Must be able to see and hear (or use prosthetics) adequately to meet position requirements.
• Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, or emotionally upset residents.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of 5 feet and carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be required to assist in resident evacuation during emergencies.

Pay

$20 per hour.