Cook

Purpose of Your Job Position

The Primary purpose of your 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 department supervisor, to assure that quality food is provided at all times.

Reports to:

Dietary Services Supervisor

Positions that report to this position:

None

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:	· Minimum 8th grade education or equivalent · Knowledge of basic dietary principles and diets
Experience:	· One (1) year food preparation based upon recipes · Prefer experience in hospital setting with knowledge of special diets · Prefer experience with food preparation of quantity.
Skills:	· Able to read, write and understand English · Able to perform simple calculations (add, subtract, multiply and divide) · Good organizational skills – ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously · Effective time management – able to meet timeline for meal preparation and serving · Good interpersonal relationships · Good leadership skills – able to lead and direct others · Able to adequately perform physical requirements of position

SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS:

General

- Reviews menus prior to preparation of food - Prepares and cooks food according to menu directions and standardized recipes - Prepares and cooks food in a safe, efficient, sanitary manner - Serves meals according to diet specifications - Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures - Prepare and serve meals that all palatable and appetizing - Assures meals are served timely (according to posted tray delivery schedule) managing tray line production - Stores leftover foods in appropriate containers and appropriately labeled - Responds timely to requests from residents for alternate items at mealtime - Assures nursing department received necessary dietary items for nourishment pass timely and accurately.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION

Other	- Promotes/protects resident rights - Complies with abuse prevention & reporting policies and procedures - Maintains compliance with federal, state and local regulatory requirements - Maintains confidentiality of resident care and employee issues - Uses chain of command to communicate problems or grievances - Participates in staff meetings and mandatory in-service as required
Personal	- Is present for work as scheduled; is rarely absent. Notifies supervisor when absent prior to the start of shift - Arrives and leaves at schedule time - Adheres to break and lunch times - Works overtime only as authorized - Demonstrates initiative and accepts increased responsibility - Maintains a clean and professional appearance in dress and grooming.
Customer Service	- Answers, places and transfers telephone calls in a courteous manner. Identified self by name and location - Communicates information clearly and accurately in a courteous manner. Follows up as appropriate to ensure communication is understood - Cooperates with others within and outside of the department. Offers assistance to others when needed - Consistently demonstrates active listening skills in all communication.
Safety	- Uses proper procedures for handling contaminated items - Participates in fire / disaster drills and safety in-service - Employs proper techniques of body mechanics to ensure resident/staff safety at all times - Complies with facility safety program - Attends and participates in facility safety programs - Promotes a safe environment for residents, visitors, and staff at all times.
Quality Improvement	- Demonstrates knowledge of Quality Assurance program through application of principals in departmental operations - Actively supports the facility QAA/CQI activities - Actively participates in departmental QAA/CQI activities.