Dietary Cook/Aide

Job Description: Dietary Cook (Part-Time)

Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager
Employment Status: Part-Time
Work Schedule: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Cedar Hills Senior Living, Cookeville, Tennessee
Pay: To be discussed upon interview

Position Summary

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents of Cedar Hills Senior Living while maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly kitchen. This position plays an important role in supporting resident satisfaction, dietary needs, and the overall quality of life of those who call Cedar Hills home.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, works well independently and as part of a team, and takes pride in preparing meals and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare and cook meals according to the established menu, recipes, and scheduled meal times.
• Follow appropriate portion sizes and special dietary instructions for residents.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served at the proper temperature.
• Assist with meal setup, serving, and delivery as assigned.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation procedures.
• Monitor food supplies and notify the Dietary Manager when items are running low.
• Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and infection control guidelines.

Kitchen Cleaning and Sanitation

• Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and other kitchen equipment.
• Clean and sanitize countertops, food preparation areas, appliances, and cooking equipment.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors as needed and at the end of the shift.
• Remove trash and maintain clean trash receptacles.
• Clean and organize refrigerators, freezers, storage areas, and other assigned spaces.
• Ensure all cleaning and closing duties are completed before leaving the shift.

Kitchen Organization and Maintenance

• Maintain an orderly, organized, and sanitary kitchen throughout the shift.
• Store food and supplies in their designated locations.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are handled properly and report any malfunction or maintenance concerns.
• Keep walkways, workstations, and food preparation areas free of clutter.
• Follow established opening, closing, and cleaning checklists.
• Assist with inventory and receiving deliveries as assigned.

Resident Care and Customer Service

• Treat residents, families, visitors, and coworkers with courtesy, patience, and respect.
• Be mindful of resident preferences, allergies, and prescribed dietary restrictions.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and follow facility policies.
• Communicate concerns regarding food quality, supplies, or resident dietary needs to the Dietary Manager.
• Work cooperatively with other dietary staff and facility departments.

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and be prepared to work the scheduled shift.
• Follow all Cedar Hills Senior Living policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned duties without leaving unfinished tasks for the next shift.
• Maintain a professional attitude and demonstrate accountability.
• Attend required training and staff meetings as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking or food service experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, assisted living, long-term care, or institutional food service is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work the assigned Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, and carry food supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.
• Ability to work safely around hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, cleaning products, and wet floors.

Work Environment

This position works in a senior living community kitchen where food safety, sanitation, teamwork, and timely meal service are essential. The Dietary Cook is expected to maintain a safe and orderly work area and follow all established facility procedures.

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