Job Details: Job Location: MVB - Healthcare Center - Bethlehem, PA, Salary Range: $15.00 - $17.00Hourly, The Healthcare Kitchen Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for residents in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing residents. The Cook ensures all food is prepared according to physician-ordered diets, sanitation standards, and food safety regulations while providing excellent service and supporting resident satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook meals, soups, sauces, vegetables, meats, and other menu items according to recipes and production schedules.
- Ensure meals meet therapeutic, modified, and special dietary requirements as directed by the Registered Dietitian and healthcare team.
- Follow proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature control procedures.
- Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including sanitation and infection control standards.
- Assist with meal service, tray assembly, and portion control.
- Monitor food quality, appearance, flavor, and presentation.
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and report maintenance needs promptly.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
- Receive and properly store food and kitchen supplies.
- Assist with inventory control and minimizing food waste.
- Collaborate with dietary aides, servers, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal service.
- Respond to resident requests and concerns in a professional and courteous manner.
- Participate in department meetings, in-service training, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Follow all facility policies regarding safety, resident rights, confidentiality, and emergency procedures.
Qualifications: Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Culinary training or certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum one year of cooking experience required.
- Experience in healthcare, long-term care, rehabilitation, hospital, or senior living settings preferred.
- Experience preparing therapeutic and texture-modified diets preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
- Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, and dietary instructions.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.