COOK (TR/PRN)

Riverside Healthcare; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 25,940 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, and vision

Paid Time Off programs

Educational Assistance Program

Job summary

Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee, Illinois is seeking a Cook responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to residents. This role involves ensuring food is tailored to dietary needs while maintaining strict food safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a healthcare setting, a Food Handlers Certification, and a commitment to outstanding service. Benefits include health insurance and competitive pay ranging from $18.83 to $23.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a cook in a healthcare or hospitality setting is preferred.
• Completion of a culinary arts program or equivalent training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes and dietary requirements.
• Assist in planning and adjusting menus based on resident preferences.
• Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.

Skills

Meal Preparation

Food Safety

Inventory Management

Team Collaboration

Resident Interaction

Education

Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe Certification

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The Cook at Riverside Senior Living is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious meals for our residents in a welcoming and sanitary environment. This role ensures that meals are prepared according to residents' dietary needs and preferences while adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines. The Cook will work closely with the dietary team to deliver a dining experience that enhances the well‑being and satisfaction of our residents.

Essential Duties

• Meal Preparation: Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes, menus, and dietary requirements, ensuring that all meals are flavorful, nutritious, and visually appealing.
• Menu Planning: Assist in planning and adjusting menus to meet the dietary needs and preferences of residents, including those with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring all food is stored, handled, and prepared in compliance with health department regulations and facility policies.
• Inventory Management: Monitor food supplies and ingredients, ensuring adequate stock levels are maintained. Assist with ordering and receiving food deliveries, checking for quality and accuracy.
• Resident Interaction: Engage with residents to understand their food preferences and accommodate special requests whenever possible.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the dietary team, including kitchen aides and other cooks, to ensure efficient kitchen operations and timely meal service.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, preparation times, and sanitation practices as required by regulatory guidelines.

Non-essential Duties

• Event Support: Assist in the preparation and service of food for special events and activities within the facility.
• Kitchen Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment and utensils to ensure they remain in good working condition.
• Training Support: Provide guidance and support to new kitchen staff and assist in training them on kitchen procedures and safety practices.

Preferred Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a cook in a healthcare, senior living, or hospitality setting is preferred.

Required Licensure/Education

• Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe Certification required.

Preferred Education

• Completion of a culinary arts program or equivalent training preferred.
• Any additional certifications in food safety or culinary arts are a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Employee Benefits

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position's pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on‑call.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and short‑ and long‑term disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Disinfectants, cleaning products, refer to MSDS sheets.
• Video Display Terminals: None
• Blood and Body Fluids: Minimal – very little direct contact with residents.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal – very little direct contact with residents.

Sensory Requirements

• Speech: Needed for presentations/training, telephone communication, facilitate meetings, communication with residents, families, and coworkers.
• Vision: Need to read memos and literature, preparation of food.
• Smell: Needed for safety fire/electrical food preparation.
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communications, meetings and listening to employee concerns.
• Touch: Need to write, food preparation, filing.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 10%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 5%
• Walk: 10%
• Kneel: 5%
• Lift: 30%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 5%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 50 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity

• Sit: 15
• Twist: 5
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 5
• Walk: 5
• Kneel: 5
• Lift: 10
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 5
• Bend: 5
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands

• Simple grasp up to 150 lbs.
• Normal weight: daily
• Pushing & pulling normal weight: 150 # daily
• Fine manipulation: Cutting and preparation of food and utensils.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control

None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

Environmental Factors (time spent)

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Humid
• Atmosphere: Poor ventilation

Special Hazards

Chemical during cleaning

Protective Clothing Required

Gloves

Pay Range

USD $18.83 – $23.00 /Hr