Dietary Cook: Precise Meal Prep for Care Residents

Palms Nursing Center; Chowchilla (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Palms Nursing Center in Chowchilla, CA is seeking a Cook to prepare meals according to menus and standardized recipes while ensuring safe handling and timely service. The role supports dietary staff and collaborates with dietitians as needed to meet nutritional standards.

The position requires adherence to state and federal codes, and preference is given to candidates with prior long-term care cooking experience and a strong focus on quality food service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency preferred.
• Two years as cook in a large-scale operation preferred.
• One year's work experience in long term care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares meal items according to planned menus and standardized recipes; refers to supervisor or dietitian the need for menu changes.
• Reviews menus, resident census information, production guides and pre-prep sheets to determine type and quantities of food to be prepared.
• Prepares food according to safe handling guidelines per policy and state/federal codes.
• Assists with food ordering, storage and preparation; prepares food in a timely manner to preserve quality and serve on time.
• Maintains standards for food preparation and quality; uses nutrition substitutes when required; follows recipes.
• Operates kitchen equipment such as blenders, mixers, slicers, steamers, ovens; bakes, roasts, broils, and steams.
• Prepares diet-modified foods and assists with special function meals.
• Completes pre-preparation including washing, peeling and cutting vegetables; weighs/measures ingredients for accuracy.
• Prepares and serves food attractively with gravies, sauces and garnishes; tastes for palatability.
• Monitors and records food temperatures prior to service.
• Makes menu changes under supervision; uses substitutes and seeks dietitian approval when needed.
• Follows hand washing, packaging, labeling, glove use, and refrigeration safety procedures.
• Follows cleaning schedules; cleans equipment and work area; handles trash and dishwashing as assigned.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting meal schedules; in supervisor's absence, the Dietary Aide reports to the Cook.

Job description

Palms Nursing Center in Chowchilla, CA is seeking a Cook to prepare meals according to menus and standardized recipes while ensuring safe handling and timely service. The role supports dietary staff and collaborates with dietitians as needed to meet nutritional standards.

The position requires adherence to state and federal codes, and preference is given to candidates with prior long-term care cooking experience and a strong focus on quality food service.