Cook - Per Diem

Civita Health; Milford (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Civita Care Center at West River in Milford, CT is seeking a Cook to prepare, cook, and serve meals for residents, adhering to therapeutic diets and standardized recipes in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED, 2+ years in food service, and aims to obtain Serve Safe within 2 months; shift flexibility includes nights, weekends, and holidays; strong English communication is essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of food service experience.
• Knowledge of specialized diets.
• Skilled Nursing experience.
• Be willing to become Serve Safe certified within 2 months of hire date.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Have flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Possess strong communication skills in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals for residents, adhering to therapeutic diets and standardized recipes in a fast-paced environment.
• Keep the food service work areas clean and maintaining a neat workspace.
• Operate kitchen equipment efficiently and ensuring it's properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Preparing, washing, sanitizing, and handling pots, pans, and cooking utensils safely and hygienically.
• Engage in quality improvement activities such as maintaining temperature logs for food and refrigeration, following HACCP rules, and complying with Department of Public Health regulations.
• Assigning and supervising dietary aides according to schedules.
• Fulfilling other duties as assigned by the Food Service Director.

Skills

Food service experience

Serve Safe certification within 2+2|2|

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary Arts degree or training

Job description

Join Our Team as a Cook and Delight Residents with Delicious, Nutritious Meals at Civita Care Center at West River!

About Us:

At Civita Care Center at West River, we are committed to fostering a culture of care, compassion, and excellence. Our mission is to provide the highest quality culinary experience for our residents, and this mission starts with the dedicated Cook who joins our team. We highly value collaboration, professionalism, and a deep respect for the dignity of every individual we serve. Our Cook brings unique culinary expertise and perspectives to our organization, enriching the dining experience of our residents and ensuring their well‑wellbeing.

As a Cook at Civita Care Center at West River, your responsibilities will include:

1. Preparing, cooking, and serving high-quality meals for residents, adhering to therapeutic diets and standardized recipes in a fast‑paced environment.
2. Keeping the food service work areas clean and maintaining a neat workspace.
3. Operating kitchen equipment efficiently and ensuring it's properly cleaned and sanitized.
4. Preparing, washing, sanitizing, and handling pots, pans, and cooking utensils safely and hygienically.
5. Engaging in quality improvement activities such as maintaining temperature logs for food and refrigeration, following HACCP rules, and complying with Department of Public Health regulations.
6. Assigning and supervising dietary aides according to schedules.
7. Fulfilling other duties as assigned by the Food Service Director.

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Culinary Arts degree or training

Required Experience:

• 2+ years of food service experience
• Knowledge of specialized diets
• Skilled Nursing experience

Position Requirements:

To excel in this role as a Cook at Civita Care Center at West River, you should:

• Be willing to become Serve Safe certified within 2 months of hire date.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Have flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Possess strong communication skills in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.

Additional Qualities:

• Ability to handle interactions with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public with tact.
• Knowledge of dining service procedures, as well as relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines related to hospital and nursing home operations.