Dietary Cook

Nexus Health Systems; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexus Health Systems in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a responsible individual for meal preparation and ensuring quality food for patients. This role involves monitoring food temperature, adhering to safety standards, and leading the kitchen team in the dietary manager's absence.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, preferably from a culinary school, and five years of food service experience. The position emphasizes teamwork and excellent communication skills, embodying Nexus' core values.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in institutional or commercial food service preferred.
• Must maintain Food Handler Manager Certification.
• Must obtain tuberculosis test within 14 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook quality food for patients.
• Complete production sheets and food temperature checks.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is cleaned daily.
• Assist with meal transport as needed.
• Lead the department in absence of the dietary manager.

Skills

Food preparation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Culinary School graduate

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

This position is responsible for meal preparation and cooking quality food for our patients.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Completes production sheets, food temperature checks, and fridge/freezer checks.
• Adheres to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Safety Manual regarding all food preparation practices.
• Ensures kitchen equipment clean-up daily.
• Ensures the preparation of all meals.
• Assists with special events.
• Assumes the lead of the department when the dietary manager is unavailable.
• Monitors preparation and service accuracy for all menu items, including proper temperature, taste, consistency, diet restriction, and portion control.
• Follows facility policies and procedures regarding proper sanitation, safety, and infection control as mandated by the Texas Department of Health.
• Prepares and serves special diet orders (such as pureed, low sodium, mechanically soft, cold food preparation, etc.).
• Solves problems with patients and staff positively regarding food requests.
• Works safely with all equipment and duties.
• Assists with all meal transport as needed.
• Ensures adequate staffing for proper kitchen operation, assists with staff training and scheduling, and works open positions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

A High School diploma or equivalent is required.

Graduate of a Culinary School preferred.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in institutional or commercial food service preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Maintains Food Handler Manager Certification preferred.
• Must obtain current tuberculosis test within the first fourteen (14) days of employment and annually thereafter.
• Maintain current certification in good standing during employment with this facility or obtain it within thirty (30) days of hire.

Interpersonal Relationships

Embody the Nexus GOPTIC Core Values as personal talents of Genuineness, Ownership, Positivity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Compassion for working with our patients. This position serves as a member of the overall team and is required to maintain a positive attitude towards all team members, patients, residents, visitors, contractors, vendors, and others. This position must also function as a positive supporter of the company and facility policies and procedures following the management team's lead and the administrative team—excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail. The individual must be a self‑starter with critical thinking skills and teaching skills.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• This position primarily involves standing, walking, twisting, reaching, bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting to transfer patients daily.
• This position requires using the arm, leg, and back muscles frequently and for extended periods and involves both hands and legs regularly.
• This position requires regular work with equipment and movable parts.
• This position requires work with hands in water and occasionally with or near chemicals.
• Must be able to continuously deal effectively with stress created by residents, multiple tasks, noises, and interruptions, and work cooperatively as part of the health care team while maintaining a pleasant attitude.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Exposure/Infection Control

This position has a Personnel Exposure Risk associated with GROUP ONE for potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. See Facility Exposure Control Plan for more information on the Personnel Exposure Risk Index along with identified personal protective equipment required to be worn by an employee with a GROUP ONE rating for potential exposure.