Cook

Job Type: 1ST shift/ 2ND shift

*Rotating weekends/holidays

Hourly range: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

*Pay based on experience

Cook Job Description

Responsible for provision of high-quality meal service, compliance with menus, policies, procedures, and 
regulations in the safe handling of foods and utensils. Maintains a clean kitchen and follows safe food 
handling practices. Provides positive leadership for all culinary staff.

Cook Qualifications

Experience and training in professional cooking, applicable certification. Must obtain and 
maintain applicable certification in food service safety and sanitation (such as ServSafe); obtain 
and maintain knowledge and understanding of geriatric dietary needs and concerns. Minimum 
age 18 years. Must be able to pass the state mandated criminal background screening and 
random drug testing. 

Cook Essential Functions

• Meal service: Preparation of all foods and beverages for meals, within guidelines of menu, policy,procedure, and regulations. Assure meals are served on time, at the proper temperature.
• Prepares and offers substitute items when residents decline a menu item. (as directed by the Chef)
• Properly completes required documentation of temperatures, foods used etc.
• Assures food is served properly, at the correct temperatures and in and appetizing manner. 
• Monitors food / plates that are returned to the kitchen. Informs Food Service Manager if a particular food is not eaten by multiple residents. Informs Team Leader if an individual resident is returning food uneaten. 
• Resident satisfaction: assure attention is paid to resident likes and dislikes, including offering alternate selections that meet resident preferences. 
• Assures compliance with diet orders, monitors weights and nutritional status of residents (in cooperation with the Resident Services Coordinator)
• Maintains an awareness of changes in resident food consumption and communicates with the Resident Services Coordinator regarding any challenges to residents’ achieving and maintaining adequate nutrition.
• Supervise and assist staff in the production of all menu items, using high-quality, and fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Proper plating of food including use of garnish. 
• Shift supervision of Utility Workers and Server/Prep assistants
• Immediately reports any malfunction in equipment or physical plant.
• Properly utilizes food, supplies, and equipment to assure minimal waste, damage or theft
•  Regulatory compliance with HFA rules, HPM policies and procedures, and SERVSAFE standards for cleanliness, maintenance and documentation.

Cook Responsibilities

• Be a good will ambassador for this living center
• Comply with Life Safety policies and periodic “drills”
• Participate in training opportunities
• Report safety and health hazards to the Maintenance Supervisor
• Work cooperatively with others on the same shift and across shifts
• Report to work as scheduled
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect
• Observe residents for any change in condition (physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral)
• Communicate any change in condition to the Shift Supervisor 
• Comply with infection control protocols 
• Compliance with all Resident Rights including confidentiality
• Compliance with the guidelines stated in the Employee Handbook
• Other duties as required to assure the goals and objectives of this living center are met.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Able to lift 50#
• Able to stand, bend, twist, turn, stoop, squat, sit, kneel, pull, push, and walk long distances on hard surfaces, for extended periods of time.
• Able to perform physically repetitive work.
• Able to tolerate exposure to cold (including freezing) and hot (including steam) temperatures.
• Able to work with strong smells and chemicals
• Ability to handle pots and pans, stir a variety of textures for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use telephone and computer (including email) for communication
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with residents, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions in English
• Emotional stability to appropriately handle staff supervision and resident care needs, including chronic illness, challenging behaviors, dementia-related issues, and death of residents

Reports to: Chef

Compensation and Benefits: Hourly wage and benefits as stated in the Employee Handbook. Eligible for 2% increase after 90 days of employment, and merit increase annually based on supervisor’s written evaluation of performance. 

Voted 2nd Best Assisted Living by Grand Haven Tribune People's Choice Awards 2024

Voted 3rd  Best Healthcare Company to work for by Grand Haven Tribune People's Choice Awards 2024

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