Job Description

Cook

Employee Name:   __________________________________________________________________

Date of Hire:           _______________

Reports to:             Dietary Supervisor

Department:           Dietary                                                           Classification:    Hourly (non-exempt) 

Our expectation is that you will perform your job in a manner consistent with our Core ValuesCELEBRATION – ACCOUNTABILITY - PASSION FOR LEARNING - LOVE ONE ANOTHER - INTELLIGENT RISK TAKING - CUSTOMER SECOND - OWNERSHIP

POSITION SUMMARY:  The primary purpose of your job position is to prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, with out established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Dietary Supervisor, Administrator or Dietician, to assure that quality food service is provided at all times. As a Cook, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changed and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel as well as with other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus.
• Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare and serve bedtime snacks.
• Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray.
• Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with foods served.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.
• Prepare food, etc., in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as without established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel.
• Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
• Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
• Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc., as necessary.
• Recommend to the Director of Food Services the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

·       One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary).

Certificates and Licenses:

·       Food handlers permit must be kept up to date if required by state regulations.

Other Specific Requirements

·       Must provide evidence of being free of tuberculosis infection upon hire and as set forth by the policies of the facility.

·       Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

·       Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action.

·       Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

·       Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the activities area (i.e. activities room, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, activities personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.  May be on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of mechanical devices):

·       Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

·       Must be able to cope with the mental emotional and stress of the position.

• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively.

• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which may include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Frequent carrying of dietary supplies. Requires frequent pushing and pulling of carts.

·       May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

See additional Activity Strength and Frequency Requirements Chart A.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

This position consistently supports and promotes compliance with the Code of Conduct by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the facility, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements (if applicable), and all policies and procedures.

I understand that signing this job description does not create a contract of employment, guarantee employment for any definite period of time, or in any way affect my employee-at-will status.  I understand as an employee-at-will I may terminate my employment, or the company may terminate my employment, at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.

I have read and understand this job description, and by my signature acknowledge that I am aware of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position.

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Printed Name                                                                           Date

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