Dietary Cook

Part-time, split shift: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM.

About the Role

The Cook prepares food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, as well as established policies and procedures. This position ensures food and customer service meet high standards of quality, sanitation, and safety for patients, residents, and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve various food items.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals to the Director of Food Services.
• Ensure staff compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Follow the schedule established by the Food & Nutrition Manager.
• Review menus prior to preparation.
• Inspect special diet trays to ensure the correct diet is served to residents.
• Follow all dietary procedures in accordance with established policies.
• Assist in establishing a food service production line to ensure meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable, appetizing, and visually appealing.
• Serve food following established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets as specified in planned menus and special diet orders.
• Review care plans to ensure dietary information aligns with foods served.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods for residents who refuse served meals.
• Prepare food in compliance with sanitary regulations and established policies.
• Ensure safety regulations and precautions are followed by all personnel.
• Adhere to Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures.
• Assist with daily or scheduled cleaning duties as per established policies.
• Maintain the department in a clean and safe manner, including equipment and supplies.
• Keep food storage areas clean and properly arranged.
• Ensure food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventorying and storing incoming food and supplies.
• Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Administrator.
• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals and events.
• Report all accidents and incidents as established by department policies.
• Attend required meetings.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Requirements

• Minimum of six months of paid experience in quantity food preparation and working with recipes for 25-50 servings.
• Formal or on-the-job training in quantity food preparation, estimating food quantities, storing supplies, kitchen management, and sanitation/safety principles.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets is preferred.
• Able to prepare and serve nutritional meals at proper times and temperatures while preserving flavor and appearance.
• Able to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions, including basic calculations.
• Basic knowledge of attractive food service, sanitation, and safety practices.
• Manual dexterity to operate modern kitchen equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.