Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center
EMPLOYEE JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Cook
Department:Dietary & Nutrition Services
Supervisor: Dietary Manager
Position(s) Supervised: Dietary Aides
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Revision Date: 4/19/2021
General Job Summary:
The Cook is responsible for preparing meals for residents, according to applicable diet orders. The Cook will also supervise meal service and direct delivery of trays with the help of the Dietary Aides. The Cook is also responsible for the sanitary condition of the cooking area. The Cook must demonstrate and promote leadership within the Food and Nutrition Department staff. The Cook must be willing to embrace change with humility and integrity. English speaking.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cook is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities which are considered essential functions of the position.
- Perform food preparation tasks according to standardized recipes and special diet orders. Adjust recipes to meet quantity or special dietary needs using only approved substitutes.
- Prepare food items attractively, at proper time and at correct temperature; make sure food items are stored at correct temperatures at all times. Monitor and record food temperatures.
- Stay up-to-date on residents’ diet orders and changes with help of CDM and Dietician.
- Check incoming merchandise and direct storage activities.
- Plan use of leftover food.
- Check and record sanitation level of pot and pan sink.
- Restock items as needed and rotate stock appropriately.
- Supervise meal service and direct delivery of trays according to dietary needs; check special dietary trays for accuracy.
- Keep cooking and serving areas straightened and clean to aide in efficiency of work performed; clean refrigeration units and storerooms.
- Report broken kitchen equipment to the FSM/CDM
- Supervise Dietary Aides in absence of FSM/CDM. Report problems with employees to FSM/CDM as needed.
- Clean and sanitize all utensils and equipment as food preparation progresses and following meal service.
- Perform Dietary Aide duties as needed.
- Assist with training and orientation of new department employees.
- Sweep and mop floor after each meal service.
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and sanitization, ie ovens, steamtable, plate warmers.
- Empty trash can and replace liner when needed. Maintain cleanliness of trash can.
- Maintain resident information and Fountain West internal affairs in strict confidence.
- Follow Fountain West policies concerning personal grooming, appearance and appropriate dress code requirements.
- Oversee cleanliness of the entire kitchen during evening shift, making sure kitchen is ready for next day’s service.
- Other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
v Education
o High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
o The Cook must have completed course work in quantity cooking.
o One year of quantity cooking experience or health care food service may be substituted for formal training.
o The Cook must be able to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions in English.
o The Cook must be able to successfully complete a Modified Diet course and Sanitation training as provided by Fountain West and required by the Iowa Dept of Inspections & Appeals.
v Continuous Education
o Attendance of in-service training and meetings as scheduled by FSM is required.
o Attendance at all-staff meetings is mandatory.
v Work Experience
One year of quantity cooking experience or health care food service experience may be substituted for formal training.
Physical Activity Requirements:
v Lifting Requirements
o The Cook is frequently called upon to lift items up to 10 pounds. The Cook occasionally will regularly be required to life objects between 10 and 25 pounds while performing duties in and around the kitchen. Cooks will infrequently be called upon to lift items over 25 pounds. Lifting in excess of 50 pounds is not required.
v Carrying Requirements
o The Cook is frequently required to carry items up to 10 pounds while preparing foods in the kitchen. The Cook will regularly be required to carry objects between 10 and 25 pounds while performing duties in and around the kitchen. The cook will infrequently be called upon to carry items over 25 pounds. Carrying in excess of 50 pounds is not required.
v Other Physical Requirements
o The Cook will regularly be required to stand, walk, bend, and twist. The Cook will occasionally be called upon for crawling, squatting, kneeling, and crouching.
v Sight Requirements
o The Cook is required to have 20/20 correct vision
v Hearing Requirements
o The Cook is required to have normal range of hearing, as corrected
v Socialization Requirements
o The Cook is required to cooperate respectfully with all other staff members in their department and other departments.
o The Cook should be able to interact with our residents in a warm and friendly manner.
o The Cook should demonstrate a dedication to our residents and their well-being.