Cook Long Term Care

ISH Dining Services; Frostburg (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

ISH Dining Services is seeking a qualified Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents, staff, and visitors in accordance with recipes, dietary guidelines, and regulations.

The position emphasizes high food quality, safety, sanitation, and compassionate resident care, with flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED, or 2+ years in healthcare food service.
• Must read, write, speak and understand English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Shows compassion, professionalism, and respect for residents.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals per approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Serve meals on schedule with quality and presentation.
• Follow sanitation and food safety regulations.
• Minimize food waste and utilize ingredients and supplies.
• Maintain and clean kitchen equipment and production sheets.
• Follow special diet instructions as prescribed.
• Supervise dietary staff in absence of the Food Service Director.
• Communicate effectively with management and team.
• Support a positive dining experience for residents and families.

Skills

English proficiency

Teamwork

Compassionate care

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Food Service

REPORTS TO: Food Service Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents, staff, and visitors in accordance with established recipes, dietary guidelines, and regulatory requirements. This role ensures high standards of food quality, safety, sanitation, and resident satisfaction while maintaining a compassionate and respectful environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare food service or a related field
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and respect for residents in accordance with the Resident Bill of Rights
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as needed

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Comply with all federal, state, and local health regulations and facility policies
• Maintain professional conduct and adhere to company standards and the Employee Handbook
• Provide high-quality service to residents, families, and staff with dignity and respect
• Remain available for emergency call-back situations (e.g., severe weather, staffing shortages)
• Participate in required trainings, drills, and emergency preparedness activities

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, and dietary requirements
• Ensure meals are served on schedule and meet quality and presentation standards
• Follow all sanitation and food safety regulations when handling and preparing food
• Minimize food waste and properly utilize ingredients and supplies
• Maintain and clean kitchen equipment, work areas, and production sheets
• Follow special diet instructions as prescribed by healthcare providers
• Supervise and direct dietary staff in the absence of the Food Service Director or Assistant Director
• Communicate effectively with management and team members
• Support a positive dining experience for residents and families

Compliance & Safety

• Report workplace injuries, illnesses, and hazardous conditions immediately
• Report exposure to bloodborne pathogens or hazardous materials per policy
• Maintain confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Report any policy violations, abuse, neglect, or safety concerns immediately
• Participate in investigations and comply with reporting requirements to leadership and authorities
• Assist with resident evacuation during emergencies

ANNUAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• Provide annual documentation of a negative TB test
• Comply with CMS vaccination guidelines and facility requirements

PHYSICAL & SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry at least 25 pounds up to 50 feet
• Ability to handle the physical and emotional demands of working with elderly or ill residents
• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without assistive devices)
• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations, including resident evacuation

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Director