Dietary Cook

Tennessee State Veterans' Homes; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 20,732 - 29,163; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages based on experience

Shift differential

Weekend differential

TCRS pension plan – fully employer‑con

Health, dental, and health plans

Job summary

Tennessee State Veterans' Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee is hiring a Dietary Cook for our skilled nursing facility serving veterans. The role involves coordinating meal preparation, following menus, and ensuring sanitary, high‑quality meals with proper portions.

Essential duties include planning cooking schedules, managing therapeutic diet requirements, monitoring food temperatures, and maintaining clean work areas. Competitive benefits accompany full‑time employment.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a dietary environment at a large establishment; health care experience is preferred.
• Previous knowledge and care of food service equipment is required.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred and previous experience in a long‑term care or hospital setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate food preparation and meal service for residents.
• Plan and initiate cooking schedules for food preparation to meet meal schedule.
• Follow written menus and prepare standardized recipes in a sanitary manner to ensure quality with minimal waste.
• Review menus to identify foods required for therapeutic diets before preparing food.
• Prepare, season, cook and serve food for assigned meals according to planned menus with proper portion control.
• Monitor temperatures of hot and cold foods to meet established goals throughout meal service.
• Clean equipment and work areas as assigned by the Dietary Manager.

Skills

Food service experience

Healthcare experience

Sanitation knowledge

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Proudly Serving Those Who Served!

We are currently hiring a Dietary Cook at our skilled nursing facility for veterans in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Pay Range: $15.05 to $21.17

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate food preparation and meal service for residents.
• Plan and initiate cooking schedules for food preparation to meet meal schedule.
• Must have the ability to follow written menus and prepare standardized recipes in a sanitary manner to ensure the utmost in quality with a minimum of waste.
• Review menus to identify all foods required for therapeutic diets before preparing food.
• Prepare, season, cook and serve food for assigned meal in quantities according to the planned menus that are palatable and appetizing in appearance and ensure appropriate portioned services according to portion control standards.
• Monitor temperature of hot and cold foods through food preparation and service to ensure that established temperature goals are met and maintained throughout meal service.
• Clean equipment and work areas as assigned by the Dietary Manager.

Benefits

• Competitive wages based on certified years of experience
• Shift differential
• Weekend differential
• State of TN retirement plan (TCRS) – 100% employer paid pension contribution. Full‑time employees are fully vested after 5 years of service.
• State of Tennessee medical, dental and health plans
• State Health Wellness Program
• Paid time off (vacation)
• Extended disability benefits (sick leave)
• Bereavement Leave
• Double pay for selected holidays worked
• Flexible spending accounts for child‑care and medical expenses
• Deferred Compensation (401(k) and 457)
• Free meal and drinks

Qualifications

Prior experience in a dietary environment at a large establishment; health care experience is preferred. Previous knowledge and care of food service equipment is required.

Educational Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent preferred and previous experience in a long‑term care or hospital setting is preferred.

~TSVH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer~