Dietary Cook

Primary Responsibility

The primary responsibility of the Dietary Cook is to prepare and serve attractive meals meeting customer expectations, while maintaining a clean, safe Dining Services environment within the guidelines of facility policies, Federal, State and other regulatory requirements.

• Preparing quality food products according to standardized recipes and menus
• Ensuring proper preparation, portioning and serving of foods according to standardized recipes
• Maintaining and recording assigned temperatures daily
• Directing and supervising Dining Aides when needed
• Having food ready at the specified time and beginning meal service on time
• Sometimes visiting residents in dining rooms, to gather their feedback regarding the meal served
• Following temperature regulations in preparing, serving and storing foods
• Cleaning food service equipment after use
• Completing other assigned cleaning, per posted department cleaning schedule
• Ensuring supplies have been replenished in work areas as necessary
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Being responsible for opening kitchen, if needed, turning on lights, unlocking/starting equipment
• Attending and participating in in-service educational classes, department meetings and all staff in-services
• Maintaining the confidentiality of all residents and their care to ensure resident rights and privacy are protected at all times
• Complying with safety requirements, infection control measures, and maintaining a clean work environment

Qualifications

• Have an understanding of Dining Services procedures and practices
• Have interpersonal and managerial skills such as:
  • The ability to follow oral, written and verbal instructions, function independently and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
• Must be able to read recipes and menus
• Have a genuine interest in seniors and a willingness to work for the best interest of the residents and facility
• Be able to work harmoniously with Dining Services staff and all other facility personnel
• Requires judgment in prioritizing the performance of tasks, duties and responsibilities in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures
• The ability to be discrete and protect the integrity of confidential information and stay within Corporate Compliance
• Be patient, have a cheerful disposition, enthusiasm and a willingness to handle residents based on whatever maturity and physical level in which they are currently functioning
• The ability to adhere to professional code of ethics
• The ability to relate information concerning a resident’s condition

Desired Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is preferred but not required
• ServSafe certified or be willing to obtain certification
• At least one (1) year of experience in a similar position is preferred