Dietary Cook

Job Summary

We are seeking a talented Dietary Cook to join our team at Lexington Premier Nursing & Rehab in Lexington, Kentucky. As a part of our culinary team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the preparation and delivery of nutritious and delicious meals for our residents. If you have a passion for cooking and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Prepare and cook a variety of meals according to planned menus, dietary guidelines, and individual resident needs, including specialized diets (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, gluten-free).
• Menu Adherence: Follow standardized recipes and portion control procedures to ensure consistency and quality of meals.
• Kitchen Safety: Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, including proper handling and storage of food items in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Resident Needs: Adjust recipes and meal plans to accommodate residents' dietary restrictions and preferences, while ensuring that all nutritional requirements are met.
• Inventory Management: Assist in ordering and stocking food supplies, ensuring that inventory levels are maintained and that all food items are stored properly.
• Collaboration: Work with dietary staff and other healthcare professionals to plan and review menus and to address any resident concerns or changes in dietary needs.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, portion sizes, and dietary modifications as required.
• Training: Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to stay current with food safety standards, dietary trends, and best practices in food preparation.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; culinary certification or degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience as a cook, preferably in a healthcare or institutional setting. Experience with special diets and dietary restrictions is a plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move heavy objects, stand for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Communications: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals and build positive relationships with residents and their families.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary guidelines accurately.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with residents and staff.