SUMMARY
The purpose of the Dietary Cook is to prepare and serve high quality meals to the residents while meeting all governing agency regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares quality and appetizing meals and snacks for the residents.
- Plans meals according to the menu under the direction of the Dietary Manager and with the assistance of the Dietary Aide and/ or Dishwasher.
- Supervises dietary aides and dishwashers to stay on task and keep kitchen in clean/ orderly condition.
- Adheres to recipes to maintain nutritional value and avoid waste.
- Provides meal substitutions as requested by residents.
- Ensures kitchen is maintained as required by state and federal governing agencies' regulations and standards.
- Immediately labels and stores food items appropriately after opening/ using.
- Maintains sanitation of equipment, utensils, work areas, storage, and serving areas by cleaning after use.
- Oversees preparation of meals, snacks, and special event food items.
- Prepares special nourishments/ supplements as instructed by the Dietary Manager. Labeling with resident's name and room number as needed.
- Assists in establishment and maintenance of supplies and notifies supervisor in the event of shortage or discrepancies.
- Records temperatures of food, refrigerators, freezers, and beverage dispensers as instructed.
- May assist in training other dietary personnel.
- Oversees the sanitation of food carts after meal service.
- Oversees the timely processing of dirty dishes prepare the next meal service.
- May assist in the unpacking, dating, and rotating of food and supplies.
- Helps maintain tray cards and prepares meal trays according to them.
- Identifies and corrects safety hazards.
- Ensures all staff entering the kitchen area are clean and well-groomed according to regulations and facility dress code (Ex: hairnets, aprons, non-slip shoes).
- Works beyond normal working hours for special events and in other dietary positions temporarily, when necessary.
- Must act in ways that promote professional and positive representation of the facility to the community.
- Communicates in a professional and courteous manner using effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with residents, their families, co-workers, and vendors.
- Maintains confidentiality of department, resident, employee information, communication, and documentation as well as compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
- Clocks in and out for all working/training hours. Working off the clock will not be permitted at any time or for any reason.
- Maintain compliance with Legacy's Compliance program and plan.
- Adhere to Legacy's Code of Conduct and Dress Code.
QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE/ REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications
- Freedom from illegal use of drugs.
- Freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
- Anyone found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals in a health care related setting are ineligible for employment in the position.
Education and/or Experience
- High School diploma preferred.
- Cooking experience required.
- Experience in Long-Term care setting preferred but not required.
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations