Dietary Cook Jobs

Position Summary:
Responsible for preparing meals for the residents which meet their individual needs and preparing meals for special events as needed. The cook is responsible for ensuring the quality of prepared food items, the service to residents and the safety and sanitation of the Nutrition Services Department.
Long Term/ Skilled Nursing Setting
Qualifications/Experience/Requirements:

• Physical ability to lift/carry equipment, food supplies, etc., is necessary.
• Ability to understand, remember and carry out oral and written instructions in English.
• Experience in quantity food preparation/production is preferred.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.
• Must be able to follow recipes and basic math.
• Must successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 60 days of employment.

Essential Functions:
The following represents the essential functions of this job to be used to determine if an individual with a physical or mental impairment can perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The other functions listed may be required of all other staff in the position.

• Functions within the constraints of established policy, practice, and procedure.
• Preparation of resident meal trays and checking all items on tray to ensure meal items meet prescribed individual resident needs.
• Performs other duties/tasks as may be appropriate.
• Logs/records temperatures of food and equipment.
• Prepares, or directs preparation of food items on assigned/scheduled menus.
• Clocks in and out for all working/training hours. Working off the clock will not be permitted at any time or for any reason.
• May assist in the training, orientation, and supervision of newly hired food and nutrition services staff.
• These duties are not all-inclusive but provide minimum performance expectations and will be reviewed in the performance process.
• Activities are directed to the accomplishment of assigned tasks in a prescribed manner with some latitude for change or variation.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance in accordance with facility absence policy.
• Adheres to food production and usage schedules, and avoids waste.
• Adhere to dress code.
• Attends required in-service training.
• Prepares special nourishments/supplements as instructed by food and nutrition services director, and identifies with resident name and room number.
• Follow safety and sanitation policies and procedures. This includes cleaning assignments as scheduled, cleaning equipment and following all safety rules to protect self, other employees, residents and guests. Follow all sanitation policies and procedures for food storage preparation and transport.
• Assists in establishment and maintenance of perpetual supplies inventory, and notifies food and nutrition services director of shortages or discrepancies.
• Communicates in a professional and courteous manner using effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with residents, their families, and co-workers.
• Maintains confidentiality of department, resident, employee information, communication, and documentation as well as compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
• Report all accidents/injuries to facility leadership if the Food and Nutrition Services Director is not on duty.
• Complies with established policies/practices/standards for food preparation.
• Prepares, or directs preparation of special items/meals/snacks.