Cook

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab Job Description

Position Title: Dietary Cook Department: Dietary/Food Services

Date: Sept 2026 Company: Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab

Status: Non-exempt Reports To: Dietary Manager

Position Objective: The Dietary Cook prepares and services nutritious meals for residents in a nursing home. This role is crucial in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents by following dietary guidelines, specific meal plans, and individual dietary restrictions. The Dietary Cook collaborates with the dietary team to ensure high-quality meal preparation, food safety, and resident satisfaction.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Meal Preparation
• Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines to meet the nutritional requirements, needs, and preferences of residents
• Adjust meal preparation to accommodate residents’ dietary restrictions, including diabetic, low-sodium, or texture-modified diets
• Portion and plate meals attractively, ensuring they are served at the correct temperature and in a timely manner
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment, following state and federal food safety regulations
• Ensure proper storage of food items and monitor expiration dates to prevent waste
• Adhere to infection control standards and sanitation protocols to protect resident health and safety
• Inventory and Supply Management
• Monitor food supplies and notify the Dietary Manager of needed inventory of low stock items
• Assist in receiving and storing food deliveries, checking for accuracy and proper storage conditions
• Minimize food waste by efficiently using ingredients and adhering to portion control guidelines
• Resident Interaction and Customer Service
• Respond to resident dietary requests and preferences, collaborating with the dietary team to accommodate needs
• Ensure meals are visually appealing and flavorful, contributing to a positive dining experience for residents
• Maintain a respectful, compassionate, and patient approach when interacting with residents
• Compliance with Dietary Guidelines
• Follow the facility’s dietary guidelines and adhere to individual care plans provided by dietitians or healthcare staff
• Implement specific diet modifications for residents as directed by the dietary or nursing staff
• Collaboration with Dietary and Nursing Teams
• Work closely with dietary aides, dietary managers, and nursing staff to ensure meals meet health, nutrition, and safety standards
• Communicate with team members to confirm meal schedules and any special dietary requirements or changes
• Performs other related duties as required or requested

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Complete and log daily temperature checks of food and refrigeration units, as well as cleaning and sanitation schedules
• Participate in emergency drills and ensure familiarity with food service protocols during a crisis
• Assist in training new dietary staff on kitchen safety, meal preparation, and resident-specific dietary protocols
• Fill in for other dietary staff as necessary to ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service
• Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of kitchen equipment, including ovens, mixers, refrigerators, etc.
• Report equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the Dietary Manager to prevent disruptions in meal service
• Implement practices to use leftover ingredients effectively without compromising quality or safety

Qualifications and Skills:

• High School diploma or GED required; culinary or food service training or experience is an advantage
• 1+ year of experience as a cook, preferably in a healthcare, long-term care setting
• Food handler’s permit or ServSafe certification may be required
• Strong understanding of nutrition, dietary needs, and food safety protocols
• Ability to follow recipes, meal plans, and diet orders accurately
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to work under time constraints
• Good communication skills and a positive, compassionate approach to resident care
• Ability to problem solve using critical and creative thinking to identify and resolve issues
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English

Physical Requirements

“Occasionally” equals approximately 1% to 33% of the workday, “frequently” equals approximately 34% to 66% of the workday, and “continuously” equals approximately 67% to 100% of the workday (typical full-time workday is 8 hours).

1. Job Requirements:

A) Sit occasionally

B) Stand continuously

C) Walk continuously

2. Movements:

A) Bend/Stoop occasionally

B) Squat/Crouch/Kneel occasionally

C) Crawl occasionally

D) Reaching occasionally

E) Balancing occasionally

F) Pushing/Pulling occasionally

3. Weight Carried:

A) Up to 34 pounds occasionally

B) 35 to 50 pounds occasionally

C) 51 to 100 pounds occasionally*

4. Meets health assessment requirements (as required)

*Assistance can include mechanical devices, equipment, or human assistance

Working Conditions:

This position is in a fast-paced kitchen environment within a healthcare facility. It may involve exposure to hot surfaces, sharp equipment, and various food allergens. Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet residents’ dining needs.

This description highlights the Dietary Cook’s responsibilities in ensuring that meals are not only nutritious and safe, but also enjoyable for nursing home residents, with sensitivity to their individual health requirements and preferences.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership - Demonstrates or models behavior that rallies others around a common cause and builds a shared sense of purpose.
• Problem Solving – Analyzes relevant aspects of a situation before reaching a conclusion; does not hesitate to take action when required.
• Drive for Results – Focuses on and achieves results. Takes actions that have a positive impact on profitability. Takes calculated risks that are likely to provide good business results. Holds self and others accountable for impact on the bottom line.
• Commitment - Provides a sustained effort and dedication to getting the job done well, works continuously to produce superior work regardless of obstacles or setbacks. Displays personal concern, interest, pride, and accountability in all areas of responsibility.

§ Organization - Plans and organizes multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.

• Oral and Written Communication - Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listens well.
• Teamwork - Actively seeks to contribute to the positive morale, attitude and effectiveness of their work environment.

Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of Heritage Lakes Nursing and Rehab not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.”

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person