Cook

Essential functions:

• Must have strong knowledge of residents' dietary needs and special diets.
• Must communicate closely with the nursing department regarding dietary needs.
• Prepares food for special events and daily meals as needed.
• Works closely with Dietary Manager and Dietary Supervisors.
• Strong working knowledge concerning proper food storage procedures, e.g., defrosting frozen food, cooking at required temperatures, and maintenance of food at safe temperatures.
• Works cooperatively with other cooks evaluating leftovers and plans for use; labels, dates, and stores leftovers properly.
• Monitor the temperature of the freezer and refrigerator.
• Keeps work area clean and sanitizes work surfaces, takes out trash as necessary; performs assigned cleaning duties, e.g. dishes, cookware, flatware, and trays using approved procedures.
• Follows menus accurately, demonstrating accuracy in weighing, measuring, and portioning food.
• Consults menus/recipes for thawing and doing advance preparation when possible; completes and posts menu sheets daily.
• Demonstrates the ability to operate electric and steam cooking equipment and dishwashers; cleans equipment, pots, and pans, after use; reports repairs as needed.
• Receives deliveries in accordance with purchase orders.
• Follows the master menu plan, adjusting for nutritionally equivalent substitutes, leftovers, and emergencies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Assists in the daily cleanup of kitchen.
• Any other duties assigned by the Dietary Manager and Dietary Supervisors

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe Certification is preferred.

Minimum eligibility requirements:

• At least six (6) months prior experience in a food service department is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• Must have compassion for and desire to work with the elderly while recognizing that the community is the residents' home.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work responsibly as a team member as well as an individual.
• Must be honest, fair, and dependable, and respect confidentiality and the rights and privacy of others.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, vendors, and the public.
• Must meet all health requirements.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities (essential job functions), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have ServSafe Manager Certification, as applicable.

Customer service:

• Responsible for ensuring that all employees are providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Perform job duties for residents and team members in a courteous and professional manner.
• Taking initiative to ensure resident safety and satisfaction is a priority.
• Meet and greet visitors in a friendly, helpful manner (Visitors include anyone who visits the community; specifically, current residents' families and friends, prospective residents and their families, referral sources, vendors, and regulators).
• Answer phones appropriately, according to company and community standards.

Residents' rights:

• Ensure compliance and understanding of all regulations regarding residents' rights.

Other:

• Follows & communicates company policies and procedures
• The job description provides a framework for the job; other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Working conditions (travel, hours, environment):

• Scheduled hours; possible overtime. May work in other positions temporarily when necessary.
• Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., through the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Physical/sensory requirement:

• Medium work: the ability to exert 10-35 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents and staff.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the community.