Cook (DOH/NMVH #15478+)

This position is located in Truth or Consequences, NM and may be used to fill multiple positions.

About the role

This position is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and service of quality meals in accordance with set menus for the residents of the New Mexico State Veterans Home. The role involves preparing and serving residents' meals in a manner that conserves nutritive value, flavor, and appearance, ensuring food is palatable, attractive, and at the proper temperature.

The primary customers are veterans, their widows, and Gold Star Parents who reside in the facility due to failing health.

Responsibilities

• Accurately measure, prepare, and cook ingredients according to recipes using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Take in food deliveries from vendors, inventory food items, and assist with meal service to residents.
• Maintain required logs to ensure survey compliance.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen, utensils, and equipment.

Requirements

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check pursuant to the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act.
• Must possess or obtain a valid Safe Food Handling Certificate within one week of hire.
• Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
• Must sign and observe a confidentiality agreement.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.
• Occasional travel for training and meetings, including driving a State of NM owned motor vehicle, may be required.
• Working hours may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours.

Ideal Candidate Experience

• Experience working in a long-term care facility.
• Experience as a Cook.
• Experience utilizing recipes.
• Experience serving food to residents of a hospital or institution.

Working Conditions

• Work in a kitchen setting with exposure to high and low temperatures from ovens and freezers.
• Walking throughout the facility and frequent communication with residents, staff, and the public.
• Periods of walking, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and reaching above head and shoulders.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds for various activities.
• Must be able to function under pressure and stressful situations.
• Exposure to health hazards such as contagious viruses and diseases, bodily fluids, and potential physical or verbal abuse.
• Exposure to minor physical harm such as cuts from knives, kitchen machinery, and other kitchen equipment.

Pay

$17.00 - $25.49 hourly ($35,350 - $53,024 annually). This position is classified as Pay Band C2.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply.