Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

401k
Fulltime benefits
Part-time Benefits
Training
Development
Career laddering
great work-life balance
flexible scheduling

Job Description

Harmony is a reputable community-focused establishment located in Hampton, Virginia, dedicated to providing exceptional dining services tailored to the unique dietary needs of its residents. Known for its commitment to quality and resident satisfaction, Harmony operates within the hospitality sector, specifically focusing on dietary and meal service within a community setting. The organization prides itself on maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and nutritional compliance, ensuring that every resident receives meals that are not only delicious but also meet their specific health requirements.

The role of Cook at Harmony is a pivotal position within the kitchen and dining services team. This role is responsible for preparing meals in accordance with approved menus and recipes, while considering the special dietary needs of the residents living in the community. The Cook ensures that all food items are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation. Additionally, the Cook plays a supervisory role in the absence of the Dining Services Director by overseeing dietary staff to guarantee the efficient operation of the kitchen at all times.

This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can manage food preparation tasks such as maintaining cleanliness, monitoring equipment, controlling portion sizes to minimize waste, and adhering to food safety protocols rigorously. The Cook is also responsible for organizing the kitchen area for meal service readiness, handling replacements or substitutions of menu items with appropriate approvals, and conducting temperature checks multiple times daily to ensure food safety. Furthermore, the Cook must actively participate in in-service training and staff meetings, continually upgrading skills and knowledge relevant to dietary services.

Harmony expects the Cook to be familiar with residents’ dietary requirements, including any changes in individual needs or preferences. The role demands a courteous and professional demeanor toward residents, visitors, and staff, as well as strict adherence to confidentiality policies. The Cook will also assist in training new dietary employees and conducting in-services as directed by the Dining Services Director. Working hours may include flexible schedules with evenings, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the continuous needs of the community.

This employment opportunity offers a meaningful career path with opportunities for professional growth through training, development, and career laddering. Harmony supports a work-life balance culture, complemented by flexible scheduling options. Employees benefit from comprehensive packages including 401k plans and benefits available for both full-time and part-time positions. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about food service operations, who are eager to contribute to the well-being of community residents through dedicated and skillful cooking and kitchen management.

Job Requirements

  • Must have experience in dining services
  • must be Serv-Safe certified or willing to complete certification within 60 days of hire
  • must have a basic understanding of food service operations including familiarity with other dietary position duties
  • must possess the ability to read, write, and make simple calculations
  • must be able to learn quickly and apply principles learned
  • must be able to follow oral and written directions
  • must be experienced in food preparation, cooking and in estimating quantities of food required
  • knowledgeable of principles and requirements of sanitation and safety in handling food and equipment
  • must be able to stand for long periods of time and withstand temperature extremes, wet and/or humid conditions and noise
  • must be able to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis or at least eight times per shift
  • must be able to carry heavy objects for 20 feet
  • must be able to pull, push, grasp, and reach adequately to perform necessary cooking activities
  • must be organized and work well with people as part of a team
  • must be in designated uniform including slip resistant footwear during working hours
  • must maintain good personal hygiene
  • must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

  • Experience in dining services
  • Serv-Safe certification or willingness to complete certification within 60 days of hire
  • basic understanding of food service operations including familiarity with other dietary position duties
  • ability to read, write, and make simple calculations
  • ability to follow oral and written directions
  • experience in food preparation, cooking, and estimating quantities of food required
  • knowledge of principles and requirements of sanitation and safety in handling food and equipment
  • organizational skills and ability to work well with people as part of a team
  • courteous and polite demeanor
  • ability to attend in-service training and staff meetings
  • ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Job Duties

  • Prepare and present menu items according to standard recipes
  • maintain a clean and orderly work area at all times, including floors
  • participate in weekly cleaning routines planned by Dining Services Director
  • report faulty equipment, broken or chipped tableware and food trays to supervisor, and removes these items from meal service
  • report incorrect refrigerator and freezer temperatures to supervisor immediately, must be recorded two times per day
  • ensure all leftover food is properly cooled, stored, identified and dated
  • observe good safety practices
  • monitor and control portion sizes to minimize food waste
  • remove frozen food items from freezer for next day meal preparation, and begin preparation for next day meal
  • make appropriate menu substitutions when certain food items are not available only with approval of Dining Services Director
  • responsible for supervising all assigned duties to ensure kitchen is ready to provide meal service
  • when working evening shift, responsible for ensuring kitchen area is clean and ready for next day operation
  • take and record food temperatures three times daily
  • attend required in-service and staff meetings
  • become familiar with specific requests and diets of each resident and be alert for changes in residents’ dietary needs, as well as likes and dislikes
  • be courteous and polite to all residents, visitors, and staff
  • follow confidentiality policies regarding release of resident information
  • supervise dietary staff in absence of Dining Services Director and Dining Services Supervisor
  • assist in training new dietary employees
  • conduct in-services and training at the direction of Dining Services Director
  • attend all required in-services and staff meetings

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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