Cook (Dietary)

Palms Nursing Center; Chowchilla (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Palms Nursing Center is seeking a dedicated cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals following approved menus and recipes. The role emphasizes safe food handling, adherence to state and federal codes, and timely meal service in a long-term care setting.

Responsibilities include reviewing menus and census data, assisting with ordering and storage, and maintaining high standards of quality. Prior experience in long-term care is preferred, with potential growth within the dietary team.

Qualifications

• Highschool diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Two years as cook in a large-scale operation preferred.
• One year’s work experience in long term care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares meal items according to planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Reviews menus, resident census information and production guides for quantities.
• Prepares food following safe handling guidelines and regulations.
• Assists with food ordering, storage and preparation as designated by supervisor.
• Maintains standards for food preparation and quality; uses substitutes when required.
• Operates kitchen equipment (blenders, mixers, slicers, ovens) to prepare meals.
• Prepares consistency modified and diet foods as needed; assists with special meals.
• Completes pre-prep tasks (washing, peeling, cutting vegetables/fruits).
• Prepares and serves food attractively; tests taste for palatability.
• Monitors and records food temperatures prior to service.
• Makes menu changes under supervisor; refers to RD for approval when needed.
• Follows handwashing practices; handles thawing and packaging correctly.
• Cleans equipment and work areas; assists with cleaning schedule.
• Ensures meals are served on schedule; reports to Dietary Manager when absent.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Food preparation

Kitchen safety

Food handling

Quality control

Education

Highschool diploma or equivalency

Tools

Blenders

Mixer

Food slicer

Steamer

Food processor

Convection oven

Range

Tilt skillet

Job description

Palms Nursing Center -

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsible for preparing and serving meals according to the menu, monitoring methods of food handling, preparation, meal service, and equipment cleaning. Safely and efficiently provides nutritionally appropriate food. Ensures the provision of quality food service and nutrition care in accordance to Federal, State and Local regulations.

QUALIFICIATIONS

• Highschool diploma or equivalency preferred.
• Two years as cook in a large-scale cooking operation, preferred.
• One year’s work experience in long term care preferred.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Prepares meal items according to planned menus and standardized recipes; refers to supervisor or dietitian the need for menu changes.
• Reviews menus, resident census information, production guides and pre-prep sheets to determine type and quantities of food to be prepared.
• Prepares food according to safe food handling guidelines per company policy and procedure and state and federal codes and regulations;
• Assists with food ordering, storage and preparation as designated by the supervisor; Prepares food in a timely manner to preserve food quality and serve meal on time.
• Maintains standards for food preparation and quality of food service; uses nutritionally equivalent substitutes when required; Follows standardized recipes.
• Operates a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment such as blenders, mixer, food slicer, steamer, food processor, convention oven, range and tilt skillet; Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams food items to prepare for consumption
• Prepares consistency modified and diet foods appropriately; Prepares and assists with special function meals.
• Completes pre-preparation as needed or assigned including washing, peeling and cutting vegetables and fruits to prepare for use; Slices meat and measures or weighs for menu compliance and nutrition accuracy.
• Prepares and serves food attractively using gravies, sauces and garnishes as on menu; Tests and observes food by tasting for palatability.
• Monitors and records food temperatures prior to meal service.
• Makes and records menu changes under the direction of the supervisor; Uses nutrition equivalent substitutes when required and refers to supervisor or registered dietitian for approval.
• Uses proper hand washing techniques; Thaws foods appropriately; Stores food using correct packaging and labeling; Uses gloves appropriately and changes when required; Checks refrigerators and freezers for correct temperatures.
• Follows the cleaning schedule; Cleans the equipment and work area after each use; Sweeps and mops kitchen floors when assigned; Takes trash to dumpster if assigned; Washes pots and pans when assigned.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting meal schedules.
• In the absence of the Dietary Manager, Dietary Aide is accountable to the Cook.
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without notice