JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Prepares menu items for patients on general and modified diets and for cafeteria and satellite food service customers.
• Inspects and tastes food for palatability and correct temperature.
• Cleans up in preparation for the next meal.
• Keeps records of quantities produced and used in accordance with established procedures.
• Measures and weighs ingredients.
• Follows all safety and infection control policies and procedures.
• Uses required protection devices to prevent transmission of food borne illnesses to patients, customers, and staff.
• Reports safety hazards.
• Cleans, sanitizes and organizes the work area.
• Wipes up spills and food debris and disposes of empty containers.
• Removes pots and pans to cleaning area.
• Prescrapes and soaks pans with burned or dried food.
• May wash pots and pans as requested.
• Adheres to county, state, and federal regulatory agency requirements.
• Prepares and cooks all menu items using solid, efficient cooking and culinary fundamentals.
• Follows recipes, measuring and mixing as specified, to prepare hot and cold menu items in specified quantities.
• Presents and displays food using artistic creativity and garnishes.
• May setup and transport food items for patient tray assembly line, cafeteria, retail, satellite, or special events.
• May serve or carve food.
• Returns unused ingredients and non-food supplies to designated storage area; reviews leftover food to determine appropriate storage and/or use and labels and dates all food.
• Inspects and tastes prepared food for palatability and appropriate temperature.
• Quickly and efficiently communicates concerns or problems to other team members and supervisors as appropriate.
• Uses FIFO method of food storage/preparation.
• Operates large and small institutional cooking equipment including convection ovens, broilers, deep fat fryers, pressure fryers, and steam jacketed kettles.
• Cleans equipment and performs preventative maintenance as recommended by manufacturer.
• Requisitions and maintains food and supplies from store room according to policies and procedures.
• Verifies that issues from storage area meet recipes requirements and established specifications.
• Reports unusual movement of food and supplies.
• Use a computer to enter and access recipes and menus.
• Records various statistics on activities such as food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer temperatures, meal tallies, and inventory.
• Works with Manager to formulate plan for professional development.
• Attends educational in-services as appropriate.
• Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices and developments.
• Communicates new ideas to the Chef or Manager.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Two years of institutional food preparation or cooking experience OR completion of a two year culinary degree/certification.
• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
  ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.