Cook

Position Summary:

In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve, the Cook position is responsible for providing nourishing food to Residents, and employees under sanitary conditions as directed and in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Cook will help to assure that the dietary department is maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner by assisting in all dietary functions and providing supervision to all dietary aides. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Provide nutritional meals to Residents, staff and visitors as directed. 
• Plans meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions. 
• Works closely with facility’s Registered Dietitian to ensure meals meet nutritional needs of the Residents. Makes changes to meal plans when necessary with approval from the Food Services Director or Registered Dietitian. 
• Ensures food supplies are appropriate and places orders when necessary. 
• Oversees food tray line to ensure trays are prepared according to diet cards in an efficient manner to meet scheduled meal and snack times. 
• Provide supervision to dietary aides as directed. 
• Assure that established sanitation policies and procedures are followed at all times in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. 
• Follow established safety precautions when preforming tasks and using equipment and supplies. 
• Assure that work area is clean and free of hazardous conditions such as spills, excess carts, and etc. 
• Ensure that equipment, tools and supplies are properly stored at all times. 
• Report all equipment malfunctions and breakdowns to the supervisor and keep the supervisor informed of supply needs. 
• Report all hazardous conditions and equipment along with any accidents/incidents to the Food Services. 
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment. 
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors. 
• Attend and participate in meetings and in-services as directed or scheduled. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure (if applicable). 
• Understands Infection Control and follows the Company’s Infection Control guidelines, such as hand washing principles, understanding of isolation and standard precautions, recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, demonstrating and understanding of the process for identifying and handling infectious waste and cross contamination, maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with OSHA standards in the workplace. 
• Promotes and Protects Resident Rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions, treating Residents with dignity and respect, protecting Residents’ personal belongings, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards, and supporting independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable laws and regulations. 
• Perform other tasks as required. 

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position oversees the production of the kitchen and the Dietary Aides.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Food Sanitation Certification preferred. 
• One year of experience as a Cook preferred. 

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Able to prepare and ensure service of nutritional meals at the proper times and temperatures, preserving flavor and appearance. 
• Able to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions including calculations. 
• Basic knowledge of attractive food service, sanitation, and safety.