Job Description: Introduction At Lutheran Senior Services, team members at all levels find their calling in our mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest. In this work environment, all team members are part of a community and appreciated by the people they work with – residents and coworkers – every day. Summary Prepares meals in an efficient and appealing manner according to the provided menus and recipes while directing other dining staff as needed to ensure a quality food product is provided for the resident/customer. This may be under the direction of Chefs and Dining Service Supervisors. Upholds the phi Responsibilities 1. Prepares breakfast, lunch, dinner, alternative menus, special event and catering foods, cafeteria foods and dietary restricted foods following standardized recipes and production sheets or as directed. 2. Prepares high quality meals that taste and smell good and have a pleasing appearance and presentation. Tests and tastes food to ensure quality flavor, consistency, texture and temperature. 3. Prepares appropriate size portions and quantity of food adhering to standardized production menus when appropriate. Prepares alternate food items and/or additional quantities when requested by resident or customer in a timely fashion. 4. Maintains proper sanitation in the kitchen and dining area keeping areas clean and organized. Utilizes and maintains equipment according to safety and standard operating instructions. 5. Follows infection control and safety procedures, including proper hand washing, food preparation, food storage, food disposal and wearing protective clothing and equipment. 6. Follows all safety procedures and protocol as dictated by LSS policy, federal and state regulations and standard food handling practice and correct and/or report all hazardous conditions, defective equipment and accidents or incidents to the supervisor immediately. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. ▪Two years’ experience of institutional cooking, prep cooking or kitchen work preferred ▪Must have or be willing to receive a Hepatitis A vaccine if working within St. Louis County (in accordance with County health regulations) ▪Ability to plan, organize, interpret, make independent decisions and direct work of employees Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: The physical activities and demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities. May need to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of 50 pounds throughout the work day. Employee regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. Employee frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee occasionally required to climb or balance self. Employee occasionally required to taste or smell. The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile residents within the facility. Employee will work in a well-lighted and ventilated working area that has its own temperature control system (air conditioning and heat). Subject to frequent interruptions. Subject to falls, burns, odors, etc., throughout the work day. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B virus. Subject to sudden temperature changes. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Appropriate ergonomic and personal safety equipment is provided as needed. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards. Additional Information: N/A Lutheran Senior Services is a faith-based, mission-driven not-for-profit network that specializes in enhancing life for seniors, ages 62-plus. With 19 locations in Missouri and Illinois, we offer quality choices and exceptional support for retirement living. Through affordable housing sites, in-home services and senior living communities, we provide a person-centered approach to a comprehensive continuum of life choices. Building upon a tradition of excellence for over 160 years, Lutheran Senior Services is fulfilling its Christian mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest.