Lead Cook - Dietary Team (Long-Term Care)

The Rehabilitation Center of Independence; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rehabilitation Center of Independence is seeking a dedicated cook to lead the dietary team and ensure the preparation and service of high-quality meals in a safe, compliant environment. The role emphasizes nutrition care and adherence to federal, state, and local regulations within a long-term care setting.

Responsibilities include menu planning support, food preparation, portion control, sanitation, and collaboration with the dietitian to adjust menus as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Two years as cook in a large-scale operation preferred.
• Five 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 food handling guidelines per company policy and procedure and state and federal codes and regulations.
• Assists with food ordering, storage and preparation as designated by the supervisor; Prepares food in a timely manner to preserve food quality and serve meal on time.
• Maintains standards for food preparation and quality of food service; uses nutritionally equivalent substitutes when required; Follows standardized recipes.
• Operates a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment such as blenders, mixer, food slicer, steamer, food processor, convention oven, range and tilt skillet; Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams food items to prepare for consumption
• Prepares consistency modified and diet foods appropriately; Prepares and assists with special function meals.
• Completes pre-preparation as needed or assigned including washing, peeling and cutting vegetables and fruits to prepare for use; Slices meat and measures or weighs for menu compliance and nutrition accuracy.
• Prepares and serves food attractively using gravies, sauces and garnishes as on menu; Tests and observes food by tasting for palatability.
• Monitors and records food temperatures prior to meal service.
• Makes and records menu changes under the direction of the supervisor; Uses nutrition equivalent substitutes when required and refers to supervisor or registered dietitian for approval.
• Uses proper hand washing techniques; Thaws foods appropriately; Stores food using correct packaging and labeling; Uses gloves appropriately and changes when required; Checks refrigerators and freezers for correct temperatures.
• Follows the cleaning schedule; Cleans the equipment and work area after each use; Sweeps and mops kitchen floors when assigned; Takes trash to dumpster if assigned; Washes pots and pans when assigned.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting meal schedules.
• In the absence of the Dietary Manager, Dietary Aide is accountable to the Cook.
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without notice.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Food service experience

Long-term care exposure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Rehabilitation Center of Independence is seeking a dedicated cook to lead the dietary team and ensure the preparation and service of high-quality meals in a safe, compliant environment. The role emphasizes nutrition care and adherence to federal, state, and local regulations within a long-term care setting.

Responsibilities include menu planning support, food preparation, portion control, sanitation, and collaboration with the dietitian to adjust menus as needed.