Cook

The following are skills needed to perform the essential functions of the position of Cook.

The ability to:

• Recognize and respond to the dietary needs of residents
• Effectively prepare and serve food, clean-up kitchen and dietary area, prepare reports and related paperwork.
• Make prompt and accurate judgments related to resident meals and food service
• Effectively manage time to perform tasks in a manner that benefits residents
• Perform the essential functions of the job in a manner that benefits residents of the facility and complies with business necessity

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Cook include preparing and serving quality food according to established recipes and following the prepared recipes and menus, as well as maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, all in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the administrator, dietitian and/ or food service supervisor to assure that quality food service is provided at all times. The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

The following job functions have been determined to be essential to the position of Cook. Because of fluctuations in workload demands, as well as tasks often overlapping, frequency ranges and percentages vary by assignment, day of week, day, evening or night shift, etc. However, low frequency and percentage or duration of time spent on a particular task may not indicate lack of importance. Spring Haven Senior Living reserves the right to modify this list of essential and other functions as deemed necessary.

• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing and in accordance with portion control procedures, as well as therapeutic diets in accordance with scheduled meals and sanitary regulations.
• Review menus prior to preparation of food and inspect special diet trays to assure accurate preparation.
• Recognize and respond to dietary emergencies and report observations. Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precaution policies when performing daily tasks.

Job Title:         Cook (continued)

• Wear protective clothing and devices when performing tasks that involve the handling of infectious waste and/or blood/bodily fluids.
• Complete forms and reports to document dietary procedures.
• Report accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately in all situations. Participate in on-going educational programs related to the job. Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and facility business. Report disrepair of dietary equipment, etc.
• Assume the responsibility and accountability of this position
• Perform assigned tasks in accordance with policies and procedures as instructed by your supervisor.
• Notify the supervisor of pending absence or tardiness within the time frame described in the employee handbook.
• Establish and encourage an atmosphere of optimism, warmth and interest in residents’ activity preferences and needs.
• Follow established smoking regulations and report violations
• Ensure all required paperwork is accomplished in a timely manner. This includes but is not limited to: refrigerator/freezer log, food temperature log, cleaning schedule sign-off sheet, payroll change forms, termination & new hire paperwork, and payroll.
• On closing shifts, ensure that all kitchen spaces are secured, clean and locked before turning the key into front desk.
• Recognize and respond to dietary emergencies and report observations. Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precaution policies when performing daily tasks.
• Monitor kitchen personnel for the wearing of protective clothing/ devices when performing tasks that involve the handling of infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Complete forms and reports to document dietary procedures.
• Report accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately in all situations. Participate in on-going educational programs related to the job. Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and facility business. Report disrepair of dietary equipment, etc..
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER

• In addition to the essential job functions described above, the following job functions are important to the proper fulfillment of the duties of Cook.
• Assist in establishing a food service production line, etc. to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Assist in and/or direct scheduled cleaning duties.
• Defrost freezers
• Participate in and assist with departmental studies and projects as assigned.

• Supervise kitchen personnel to ensure that meals are palatable and appetizing and in accordance with portion control procedures, as well as therapeutic diets in accordance with scheduled menus and sanitary regulations.
• Order food and supplies in accordance with prescribed menus and within budget guidelines.
• Schedule all kitchen employees, in accordance with department guidelines and ensuring full coverage for daily kitchen functions.
• Supervise all kitchen employees to include Cooks, dietary aides, dishwashers, and floor servers.
• Assist in development and implementation of a departmental kitchen cleaning schedule.
• Prepare and monitor daily food production sheets.
• Supervise and monitor the quality of food, temperature, appearance and timeliness. Conduct or supervise the unpacking and storage of food as supplies arrive from vendors.
• Supervise and/or direct scheduled cleaning duties.
• Report kitchen staff absenteeism and tardiness, as well as grievance and complaints to supervisor.
• Assist in inventorying and monitoring equipment and supplies.
• Report disrepair of kitchen equipment to supervisor
• Participate in and assist with departmental studies and projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.