Cook

Job Title: Cook
Location: Polaris Transitional and Extended Care
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Pay Range: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour

Job Summary

Polaris Transitional and Extended Care, a skilled nursing facility in Anchorage, Alaska, is seeking a reliable and compassionate Cook to join our dietary team. The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of our residents, including therapeutic and modified diets. This role plays a key part in supporting resident health, safety, and overall satisfaction by ensuring meals are prepared in accordance with physician orders, dietary guidelines, and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with planned menus, physician-ordered diets, and dietary restrictions (e.g., mechanical soft, puree, low sodium, diabetic diets)
• Follow all skilled nursing facility dietary regulations and sanitation standards
• Ensure meals are prepared on schedule and served at proper temperatures
• Review production sheets and diet lists prior to meal preparation
• Modify food textures and portions based on resident care plans and dietary needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department and facility policies
• Properly store food items and monitor food inventory and expiration dates
• Assist with meal plating, tray line service, and special diet accuracy
• Work collaboratively with the Dietary Manager, Registered Dietitian, and nursing staff to meet resident nutritional needs
• Follow infection control policies and safe food handling procedures at all times
• Assist with receiving and stocking food deliveries as needed
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations for skilled nursing facilities

Duties in a Skilled Nursing Facility

• Prepare therapeutic meals tailored to elderly and medically complex residents
• Support residents with special dietary needs and cultural preferences
• Ensure consistency with nutrition plans ordered by healthcare providers
• Maintain documentation related to food production and temperature logs
• Participate in survey readiness and regulatory compliance standards (CMS and state guidelines)
• Provide a resident-centered dining experience that promotes dignity and quality of life

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience required (healthcare or skilled nursing facility experience preferred)
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and food safety practices strongly preferred
• Food Handler’s Card (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and portion controls
• Strong understanding of sanitation, infection control, and kitchen safety
• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures

Why Join Polaris Transitional and Extended Care?

• Supportive team environment
• Meaningful work serving residents in a healthcare setting
• Stable hours in a skilled nursing facility
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on resident care and well-being

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person