Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $18.00 - $20.00
Work Schedule
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Fixed Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Training and Development
Job Description
The hiring establishment is a healthcare facility specializing in providing skilled nursing care and dietary services to a diverse population, including disabled and cognitively impaired residents. This facility is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of nutrition and food safety in compliance with county, state, and federal regulations. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents, the establishment prioritizes the preparation and delivery of nutritionally adequate meals that respect residents' dietary needs, cultural preferences, and individual rights. The setting is fast-paced and involves collaboration among kitchen staff, dietary supervisors, and healthcare providers to deliver meals that support residents' health and well-being consistently and safely.
The role of the Cook within this healthcare dietary department is vital to the daily operations and overall mission of the facility. The Cook is responsible for preparing palatable and nutritionally sound meals that align with departmental policies, nutritional standards, and legal requirements. The position demands ensuring that foods are cooked and served at appropriate temperatures and times, tailored precisely to each resident's dietary requirements. The Cook also supervises kitchen staff, allocates resources efficiently to prevent food waste, and maintains a clean, sanitary kitchen environment adhering to strict infection control guidelines. This role requires meticulous attention to food preparation methods, handling, storage, and the use of food service equipment in line with manufacturer instructions and safety procedures.
Furthermore, the Cook actively participates in inventory management, ordering and receiving food supplies, and assisting with preparations for inspections by regulatory authorities. The position emphasizes teamwork, communication with the Dietary Services Supervisor, responsiveness to resident needs, and adherence to workplace safety protocols. Working in a sensitive healthcare environment, the Cook must also demonstrate respect for residents' dignity and confidentiality, maintain personal professionalism, and cope with the emotional and physical demands of the role. This non-exempt position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare community by supporting residents' nutritional health and quality of life in a skilled nursing setting.
The role of the Cook within this healthcare dietary department is vital to the daily operations and overall mission of the facility. The Cook is responsible for preparing palatable and nutritionally sound meals that align with departmental policies, nutritional standards, and legal requirements. The position demands ensuring that foods are cooked and served at appropriate temperatures and times, tailored precisely to each resident's dietary requirements. The Cook also supervises kitchen staff, allocates resources efficiently to prevent food waste, and maintains a clean, sanitary kitchen environment adhering to strict infection control guidelines. This role requires meticulous attention to food preparation methods, handling, storage, and the use of food service equipment in line with manufacturer instructions and safety procedures.
Furthermore, the Cook actively participates in inventory management, ordering and receiving food supplies, and assisting with preparations for inspections by regulatory authorities. The position emphasizes teamwork, communication with the Dietary Services Supervisor, responsiveness to resident needs, and adherence to workplace safety protocols. Working in a sensitive healthcare environment, the Cook must also demonstrate respect for residents' dignity and confidentiality, maintain personal professionalism, and cope with the emotional and physical demands of the role. This non-exempt position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare community by supporting residents' nutritional health and quality of life in a skilled nursing setting.
Job Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent
- ServSafe certification preferred
- minimum of one year cooking experience in commercial or healthcare setting preferred
- ability to read and interpret technical and scientific information
- strong verbal and written communication skills in English
- proficiency in basic math operations including fractions and decimals
- ability to stand for extended periods
- ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- capability to perform physical tasks including bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
- ability to comply with workplace safety and infection control policies
- ability to follow emergency procedures and respond appropriately
- availability to work weekends, holidays, and different shifts
- maintain neat appearance and professional demeanor
- ability to cope with emotional and physical stresses of skilled care environment
Job Qualifications
- High school graduate or equivalent preferred
- at least one year experience cooking in a commercial kitchen or healthcare dietary department preferred
- functional literacy and knowledge of nutrition and diet management for regular, modified, and therapeutic diets
- ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical information
- strong verbal communication skills in English
- ability to perform mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- exceptional communication and customer service skills with empathy
- ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, and outside agencies
- working knowledge of food safety and infection control procedures
- ability to supervise kitchen assistants
- knowledge of emergency and disaster procedures
- ability to follow written and verbal directions accurately
- ability to prioritize and complete tasks within deadlines
- ability to respond productively to changes and additional tasks
Job Duties
- Follow recipes and prepare foods according to menu cycles and dietitian guidelines
- cook meals in institutional quantities, adjusting food amounts based on resident needs
- supervise kitchen staff involved in food preparation, tray assembly, cleaning, and storage
- maintain cleanliness of food service work areas throughout food preparation and service
- use food supplies and equipment efficiently to minimize waste
- prepare and maintain food substitutes for cultural, ethnic, and religious preferences
- participate in inventory ordering and stock receiving
- inspect trays after meal service to record resident acceptance and report findings
- use food preparation equipment per manufacturer instructions and follow cleaning and maintenance schedules
- handle, store, and dispose of food in compliance with health regulations
- follow infection control policies and use personal protective equipment as needed
- inspect work areas for pests, hazards, and maintenance issues and report or correct them promptly
- communicate regularly with Dietary Services Supervisor to meet resident needs
- assist with inspections and attend survey trainings
- participate in in-service education and apply knowledge to job tasks
- report injuries and unsafe conditions immediately
- maintain neat and clean work areas
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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