Cook

PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB POSITION:

The primary purpose of your job position is to prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, with our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Head Cook and/or Director of Food Services, to assure that quality food service is provided at all times.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As Cook, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Functions

• Review menus prior to preparation of food.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident in accordance with diet order and correction portion size
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submit to the Director of Food Services.
• Coordinate dietary service with other departments as necessary.
• Work with the facility's dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Assure that dietary substitutions are made in accordance with facility dietitian recommendations
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
• Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of Cook.
• Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

Dietary Service

• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with required food temperature at point of service.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus and physician orders.
• Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare and serve bedtime snacks.
• Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray.
• Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with foods served.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education, 12th grade.
• Must be at least 18 years old in age.

Experience

• One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary).
• Must have a sanitation certificate, such as SafeServ.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of dietary procedures.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, the appearance of work areas, and perform regular inspections of food service areas for sanitation, order, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning .
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing dietary practices.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.