Cook - Memory Care

Summary of Position:

Prepares food in accordance with current applicable standards, guidelines, and regulations, community policies and procedures, and may be directed by the Dietary Manager, to assure that quality food service is provided at all times.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ability to read and understand the English language.
• Current Food Service Handlers Card.
• Ability to withstand sudden temperature changes from the heat of the kitchen or the cold of the freezer.
• Ability to taste and smell food to determine quality and palatability.
• Acceptable references.
• Physical requirements:
• Free from communicable disease
• Meet community policies and procedures regarding necessary physical health.
• Meet the following criteria

Criteria 0 – Not at all

1 – Occasionally (1% - 33%)

2 – Frequently (34% - 66%)

3 – Continuously (67% - 100%)

Bending/ Stooping=2 Lifting: 10 – 35lbs = 2

Reaching above shoulder=2 36 – 70lbs = 1

Pushing/ Pulling=2 71 – 100lbs =1

Sitting=0

The criteria for bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and standing/walking must be met to be employed because they are essential functions and elements of the job.

Preferred

• Experience with older adults.
• Experience in institutional cooking.

Major Responsibilities:

Essential Functions

• Prepare food in accordance with sanitary regulations, as well as community policies and procedures.
• Review menus prior to preparation of food. Complete pre-prep work as directed by Dietary Manager.
• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus, standardized recipes, and production sheets.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus.
• Make only authorized substitutions. May assist with recording of changes.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable, appetizing in appearance (garnished), and at the proper temperature.
• Review extended menus’ food items with serving staff prior to tray line service.
• Take and record food temperatures daily for mal prepared.
• Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis by serving from the steam table or transferring food delivery carts to the resident areas.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Assure that food and supplies for the next day’s meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventorying and storing incoming food, supplies, etc., as necessary. Move and lift stock and equipment, as necessary.
• Assist in daily or scheduled cleaning duties, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Follow established infection control policies and procedures.
• Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to the dietary Manager.
• Report all maintenance concerns to the Dietary Manager.
• Report all accidents/ incidents to the dietary Manager.
• Utilize and clean equipment correctly and safely.
• Properly dispose of wastes.
• Perform administration requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting to the Dietary Manager as assigned.
• Assure that all dining services procedures are followed in accordance with established policies as directed by the Dietary Manager.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from resident services, as directed by the Dietary Manager.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as other personnel within the community to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department and community.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information to assure resident rights are protected.
• Review complaints and grievances and make necessary oral/written reports to the Dietary Manager.
• Follow timed activity schedule.
• Follow community dress and personal hygiene policies.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a dietary aide or cook within a healthcare or memory care setting is highly preferred.
• Strong culinary skills including proficiency in food preparation, food handling, knife skills, and high-volume production experience.
• Knowledge of menu planning, dietary restrictions, and special diets for memory care residents.
• Familiarity with operating kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, mixers, and food processing tools.
• Experience with food safety sanitizing procedures and food safety management practices.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes accurately while maintaining efficiency during meal preparation.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Join us to bring warmth and nourishment through your culinary talents while supporting the well-being of our residents!

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person