DIETARY ASSOCIATE - COOK

Valley West Health; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Helia Healthcare, LLC is seeking a Dietary Associate - Cook to prepare meals and snacks for residents in a nursing home setting. You will follow daily menus, respect therapeutic diets, and maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment.

The role requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a current Food Services Sanitation certificate, with at least one year of related experience. Culinary training is preferred and restaurant experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Maintain a current Food Services Sanitation certificate.
• Minimum 1 year of job-related experience including food preparation and therapeutic diets.
• Culinary apprenticeship or training is preferred; restaurant/cooking experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to the daily menu so residents receive balanced, healthy meals.
• Follow recipes and guidelines established by Culinary Services Director.
• Respect special diets to support resident health.
• Maintain sanitary kitchen by cleaning equipment and work areas.
• Ensure proper portioning and serving, including snacks and hydration.

Skills

Food preparation

Therapeutic diets

Sanitation standards

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Food Services Sanitation certificate

Job description

Description

**Experience pays off—literally. Tell us about your background and maximize your earning potential**

The overall purpose of the Dietary Associate - Cook position is to prepare meals and snacks for residents within guidelines of the facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities with assigned functional area within a nursing home facility which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

• Prepare food according to the menu for the day, so that residents will receive the meals they are expecting, and they will be well-balanced and healthy for the residents.
• Ensure all meals are prepared following recipes and guidelines established by the Culinary Services Director.
• Follow all requests for special diets to assure good resident health.
• Taste, smell, and observe food to ensure conformance with recipes and appearance standards. Measure satisfaction levels among residents by walk-thru and conversations with residents on meal satisfaction.
• Place food servings on plates using standard measuring ladles, scoops, spoons, etc. assuring residents receive sufficient portions.
• Provide residents “seconds” as needed to satiate their appetites.
• Prepare snacks for residents according to snack schedule and menu in order assuring residents are getting adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Properly clean all equipment and work areas, including walls and floors, to provide a sanitary kitchen environment.
• Assure all open food in refrigerators and freezers are covered and dated and that outdated food is discarded promptly.
• Demonstrate responsibility for the food service operation in the absence of the Dietary Manager.
• Wash and sanitize dishes according to foodservice standards. Prepare sanitation sink according to directions and monitors and documents sanitizing solution levels.
• Operate the dishwashing process in an organized fashion.
• After food is served, keep dirty dishes running through the dish machine until all dishes are clean and ready for the next meal.
• Assure all freezers and refrigerators are maintained at proper temperatures and the temperatures are documented.
• Present a clean and neat appearance which includes but is not limited to wearing aprons, hair nets, and other protective clothing as necessary.
• Collect and place garbage and trash in designated containers.
• Is fully knowledgeable of the fire evacuation and disaster policy of the community and participates as assigned in fire and disaster drills.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent personal or health information concerning residents and staff.

Requirements

The Culinary Associate must have the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• To be qualified for this position you must maintain a current Food Services Sanitation certificate and have one (1) year job related experience including food preparation, full-line menu items and therapeutic diets.
• A culinary apprenticeship or training is preferred.
• Restaurant, cooking and/or culinary experience preferred.

The Fine Print (Still Important!)

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen. We want to keep our residents safe, happy, and in good hands—you’re part of that promise.

Helia Healthcare, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We’re committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we can serve our community.