Culinary Assistant PRN Weekends

About the role

Kindred Hospital El Paso is a long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital specializing in the treatment of patients recovering from post-intensive care and medically complex conditions. The culinary assistant prepares and serves food using proper food handling and safety techniques for patients, employees, and special functions, ensuring food meets nutritional guidelines and safety standards set forth in department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing food following department standardized recipes, planned menus, and policies and procedures.
• Serve and portion food per patient diet order, department standardized recipes, planned menus, and policies and procedures.
• Follow standardized menus for patients and cafeteria food preparation.
• Make only authorized changes to the planned menu and record the change according to established policy.
• Use production sheets to direct preparation and quantity of food; ensure preparation is completed to meet established mealtimes.
• Prepare and serve food at the proper temperature as set forth by the FDA Food Code.
• Prepare patient snack orders using a production sheet; ensure all snacks are labeled properly and distributed to patients timely.
• Label, date, and store food (including leftovers) properly according to proper cool-down techniques and established policies.
• Assist in receiving, storing, and verifying invoices for incoming food supplies; ensure adequate supply of food and supplies is always available.
• Report adequate stock levels to the supervisor in a timely manner; use food supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Stock nourishment rooms and administration suite/lounge per department procedure.
• Keep work area clean and uncluttered during preparation and service of food; perform cleaning assignments according to established policies.
• Use proper infection control techniques and protective equipment as needed; wash dishes, pots, and pans according to established procedures.
• Take dish machine temperature and/or sanitizer concentration prior to each use and record on log; report any problems immediately to supervisor.
• Store dishes, pots, and pans properly to prevent contamination; operate equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe operating condition; report all equipment problems immediately to supervisor.
• Check for new diet orders, discharges, and room changes prior to each meal tray line assembly in the medical record.
• Pass selective menus to patients and assist with completion if needed; use menu management computerized program to add new admissions, update patient information, edit menus, enter patient selections, print menus or reports, and generate tray tickets.
• Act as cashier for café meal service: verify and sign for starting cash bank with a manager; balance drawer accurately at shift end; report overages/shortages immediately to manager.
• Complete all necessary reports; ring up every sale accurately, count cash back to customers out loud, keep cash secure in register/safe, and never leave it unattended.
• Take orders accurately, use correct menu items/PLUs on the POS; handle cash, debit/credit cards, and mobile payments; apply discounts/refunds per policy.
• Resolve minor complaints; escalate larger issues to the manager; keep checkout area clean, organized, and stocked.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and texture/liquid modification.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and federal, state, and city food codes and regulations.
• Basic computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn menu management system.
• Understands principles of growth and development for the entire life span with the ability to provide care appropriate for the adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients as appropriate to the population.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Food Handler Permit, if required by the State or local jurisdiction.
• One year experience in a quality food preparation setting (e.g., restaurant, hospital, nursing center, hotel, etc.).
• Full understanding of therapeutic diets preferred.