Dietary Cook

Valley HealthCare System; Monongahela (PA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley HealthCare System in Monongahela, PA, is seeking a Dietary Cook for a skilled nursing facility. You will prepare nutritious, diet-appropriate meals according to physician orders, ensure safety and sanitation, and collaborate with dietary aides and nursing staff to meet residents’ needs.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to follow therapeutic diets, and strong teamwork in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in healthcare food service preferred.
• Experience with therapeutic diets is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to planned menus and dietary orders.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and served safely and at proper temperatures.
• Follow modified diet orders (e.g., mechanical soft, pureed, diabetic).
• Review production sheets and adjust quantities based on census and needs.
• Maintain sanitation of kitchen and storage areas.
• Label, date, and store food items per guidelines.
• Monitor inventory and report shortages to supervisors.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and infection control standards.
• Collaborate with dietary aides, nurses, and management to meet resident needs.
• Participate in meetings, training, and quality initiatives.
• Assist with events, holidays, and catering as assigned.
• Report equipment issues or safety concerns promptly.

Skills

Food safety

Therapeutic diets

Follow recipes

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Independence

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Description: Dietary Cook – Skilled Nursing Facility

Position Title: Dietary Cook
Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager / Food Service Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents in accordance with physician orders, therapeutic diets, facility policies, and applicable health regulations. The Dietary Cook works closely with dietary staff to ensure food quality, safety, sanitation, and resident satisfaction while supporting the nutritional needs of residents in a skilled nursing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks according to planned menus, standardized recipes, and therapeutic diet requirements.

• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and served at appropriate temperatures and in accordance with food safety standards.

• Follow modified diet orders, including mechanical soft, pureed, diabetic, low-sodium, and other prescribed diets.

• Review production sheets and prepare food quantities based on resident census and dietary needs.

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, and storage areas.

• Properly label, date, and store food items according to facility and regulatory guidelines.

• Monitor food inventory and notify supervisors of shortages or needed supplies.

• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including sanitation and infection control standards.

• Work collaboratively with dietary aides, nursing staff, and management to meet resident needs.

• Participate in departmental meetings, in-service training, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Assist with special events, holiday meals, and catering needs as assigned.

• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or food quality issues promptly.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous cooking experience in a healthcare, long-term care, skilled nursing, hospital, or institutional food service setting preferred.

• Experience with therapeutic diets and large-scale food preparation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food preparation techniques, food safety, and sanitation practices.

• Understanding of therapeutic and modified diets.

• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and production schedules accurately.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid kitchen environments.

• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

Certifications

• Food Handler's Permit or ServSafe Certification preferred (or obtained within facility-required timeframe).

• Must meet all state and facility requirements for employment in a healthcare setting.

Working Conditions

• Skilled Nursing Facility and healthcare food service environment.

• May require weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating shifts.

• Exposure to kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures.

Key Performance Indicators

• Compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.

• Accuracy in following therapeutic diet orders.

• Meal quality, consistency, and presentation.

• Resident satisfaction with food services.

• Timely meal preparation and service.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The facility is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.