Cook/Dietary Aide Long Term Care

The Cook/Dietary Aide is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing, and well-balanced meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of residents in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as facility policies and procedures. This dual-role position ensures high-quality food service and maintains sanitary conditions in the kitchen and dining areas.

This position complies with department and organization-wide policies, long-term care facility requirements, safety, and infection control, and all Federal and State of Nebraska regulations related to the performance of Heritage of Webster County operations and requirements of the compliance program.

Cook Responsibilities

• Prepares and cook meals according to standardized recipes and planned menus.
• Ensures food is served at proper temperatures and within required time frames.
• Follows diet orders and texture modifications as directed by the Dietitian and Dietary Supervisor.
• Maintains proper portion control and ensures meals meet residents’ nutritional requirements.
• Monitors and records food temperatures and other quality control standards.
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas according to facility and health department standards.
• Assists with receiving, storing, and rotating food and supply deliveries.
• Reports equipment malfunctions or safety hazards promptly.
• Supports special events or activities requiring food service.

Dietary Aide Responsibilities

• Assists with meal service, including tray assembly, food delivery, and dining room setup.
• Serves meals courteously and assists residents as needed, ensuring dignity and respect.
• Collects trays and dishes after meals and return them to the kitchen for cleaning.
• Washes, sanitizes, and stores dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment.
• Helps maintain inventory and alerts supervisor when supplies are low.
• Follows all infection control, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Assists with cleaning kitchen, dining, and food storage areas.
• Supports special events or activities requiring food service.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Supports mission, vision, values, ethics, and goals of Heritage of Webster County.
• Pledges sincere commitment to quality care and a quest for excellence.
• Maintains confidentiality for the people we serve and to fellow employees by following HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules at all times.
• Possesses ability to come to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, and organization.
• Adheres to the team approach and works well with fellow employees.
• Maintains accountability and responsibility for job performance and seeks ways to improve.
• Demonstrates punctuality and efficient use of time.
• Shows respect, politeness, consideration, and sympathy to residents, visitors, and fellow employees.
• Demonstrates good public relations by expressing to the public and fellow employees the desire for continuous quality improvement.
• Maintains a professional appearance of self and work area.
• Attends interdepartmental meetings and other meetings as position requires.
• Attends educational events that are required or would be beneficial to the wellbeing of the department and/or nursing home.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques and appropriate equipment to minimize injury to self.

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

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred.