COOK (TR/PRN, SHIFT VARIES)

Riverside Healthcare; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Senior Living is seeking a Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents in a sanitary kitchen. You will work with the dietary team to meet dietary needs and preferences, while following safety guidelines.

Two years of cook experience in healthcare, senior living or hospitality is preferred; Food Handlers or ServSafe certification is required or preferred. On-site, full-time hours with opportunities for growth and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, senior living, or hospitality settings preferred.
• Food safety awareness and sanitation knowledge required or preferred.
• Certification: Food Handlers or ServSafe required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to recipes, menus and dietary needs.
• Assist with menu planning to meet residents' dietary restrictions.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
• Interact with residents to accommodate preferences and requests.
• Collaborate with dietary team for timely meal service.
• Maintain records of temperatures, times and sanitation.

Skills

Meal preparation

Menu planning

Food safety

Inventory management

Resident interaction

Team collaboration

Record keeping

Education

Culinary arts program

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.

Responsibilities

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.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the positions 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, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed for presentations/training, telephone communication, facilitate meetings, communication with residents, families, and co-workers.


• 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

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• 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

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting and carrying food required for food preparation.

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 (Frequency indicated):

• 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 $19.02 - USD $23.46 /Hr