COOK ALF

KALESTA HEALTHCARE GROUP; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

KALESTA HEALTHCARE GROUP is looking for an experienced Cook in Concord, CA. The role involves preparing nutritious meals, supervising kitchen staff, and adhering to safety standards to enhance the well-being of residents.

The ideal candidate has at least one year of cooking experience in a commercial kitchen and a High School diploma. A ServSafe Certification is preferred, along with strong communication and customer service skills.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• At least one year cooking in a commercial kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritional meals following recipes and dietary instructions.
• Supervise kitchen staff in food preparation and cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with safety and hygiene regulations.

Skills

Cooking skills

Customer service

Attention to dietary needs

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

Tools

Food preparation equipment

Job description

Job Details: Level: Experienced | Location: Concord, CA 94518 | Salary Range: $19.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Position

The Cook prepares palatable, nutritionally sound meals consistent with departmental policies and procedures and with county, state, and federal laws. The role ensures meals meet the daily nutritional and special dietary needs of each resident, are served at proper temperature and time, and are prepared efficiently to maintain quality of life.

Reporting

Responsible to the Dietary Services Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

• Follow recipes and prepare foods according to menu cycles and Dietitian instructions.
• Cook or prepare institutional quantities of meals, adjust quantities as needed to prevent over/under production.
• Supervise kitchen staff who assist with food preparation, tray assembly, cleaning, and storage.
• Frequent cleaning of food service areas during and between tasks.
• Use food supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Prepare and maintain supplies of food substitutes for resident preferences.
• Participate in inventory ordering and receipt of stock and supplies.
• Inspect trays after service to monitor resident acceptance; report findings to the Supervisor.
• Use food preparation equipment according to manufacturer instructions; follow cleaning and maintenance schedules.
• Handle, store, and dispose of food supplies per department procedures and legal regulations.
• Follow infection control policies; use personal protective equipment as needed.
• Inspect food service areas for pests, safety hazards, and housekeeping issues; correct or report problems promptly.
• Communicate with the Supervisor throughout the shift to meet resident needs.
• Assist with preparations for county, state, and federal inspections and survey training.
• Attend in-service education and apply information to job tasks.
• Report injuries or unsafe conditions to the Supervisor or Administrator immediately.
• Maintain work areas neat and clean.

Job Functions

• Demonstrate respect for the rights, dignity, and individuality of each resident.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility information.
• Show honesty and integrity in all interactions and use of property.
• Maintain neat appearance.
• Apply food handling, preparation, and storage techniques compliant with laws.
• Appreciate the role of food in enhancing resident quality of life.
• Follow facility mission and philosophy.
• Understand and execute written and verbal directions including menus and substitutions.
• Communicate effectively with staff and residents.
• Know emergency procedures; locate exits and respond to instructions.
• Move freely to ensure resident safety, assist or transfer residents as needed.
• Comply with attendance, punctuality, and dress code policies.
• Follow safety procedures, infection control, PPE usage, hazardous material handling.
• Prioritize tasks and complete duties within allotted time.
• Adapt to changes and additional tasks productively.
• Perform essential functions without posing significant harm.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Capacities

• Move intermittently throughout the day.
• Use hearing and sight or prosthetics to function adequately.
• Meet general health requirements including TB screening and physical exam.
• Stand for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Perform continuous bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching.
• Cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.

Environmental Conditions

Primarily indoor work at normal to above normal temperatures, noise, fumes, chemical exposure, and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Education: High School graduate or equivalent preferred.
• License: ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Experience: At least one year cooking in a commercial kitchen or healthcare dietary department. Functional literacy and knowledge of nutrition and diet management for various diets.
• Language Skills: Must read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical information; verbal communication in English.
• Mathematical Skills: Add, subtract, multiply, divide in all units, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; perform operations with weight and volume units.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional customer service and empathy; effectively communicate with patients, families, and staff.