TITLE: Culinary Aide

REPORTS TO: Assisted Living Executive Director/ Housing Manager

Job Summary:The Culinary Aide is responsible for meal and snack preparation and service at Heartland Senior Living. The Culinary Aide must follow resident’s diets, policies, procedures, and dietary guidelines.

Qualifications: Must be able to read, write and speak English. Must be able to follow directions and perform assigned tasks. Must be able to relate work with geriatric residents and understand their special needs. Complete and pass a state required background study form which checks for certain criminal convictions or serious/recurring maltreatment.

General Responsibilities:

• Review Menus prior to preparation of food. 
• Work with dietician and Culinary Director in preparing regular and special diets as prescribed by the resident’s physician.
• Ensure that menus and alternates are compiled in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Ordering, receiving, and stock control of departmental supplies and food supplies.
• Assist in inventory of items. 
• Receive deliveries and check receipts against specifications and orders.
• As deliveries are made cook is to place frozen foods in freezer as soon as possible.
• Recommend any equipment needs to the Culinary Director.
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Ensure that all food production is completed to assure meals are served on time.
• Ensure that food and supplies for the next day are readily available and frozen foods to be thawed are out in cooler 48 hours prior.
• Assist daily in cleaning schedule duties.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner.
• Adhere to all sanitary regulations governing handling, preparation, and serving of food.
• Must complete 4hrs of Dementia training within 160 hours of start of employment and 2 hours annually thereafter.
• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets per policy.
• Prepare food with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare all snacks.
• Prepare and serve substitutes to residents who refuse meal or request alternatives.
• Check cooler/freezer temperatures every shift.
• Take and record food temperatures at every meal.
• Assist in preparing food for special events, activities, etc.
• Wear hair nets and nametags at all times.
• Label any food that has been opened or leftovers food that is to be saved.
• Keep kitchen orderly. Wipe down all ovens, stovetop daily when shift completed. Sweep floors. Mop floor at end of shift. Sanitize counters and sinks.
• Wash all dishes following meals and prior to end of shift.
• Follow sanitation and safety techniques in operation and cleaning of all equipment.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing forms, reports and submit to Housing Manager when requested.
• Participate in and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or may be necessary.
• Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, in-service training programs, etc, as directed.
• Follow through on resident rights.
• Ensure that safety regulations and precautions, Infection Control procedures, and Universal Precautions are being used when performing daily tasks.
• Report all hazardous equipment to Housing Manager. Report all accidents promptly.
• Report any missing MSDS labels to Housing Manager.
• Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by OSHA Hazard communication, HIPPA, QAPI, and other organizations.
• Respond to emergency codes (fire, severe weather, etc.).
• Understand and adhere to all Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention Policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Heartland Senior Living's policy forbids employees and associates from discriminating against anyone based on race, religion, color, creed, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, familial status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Heartland Senior Living is committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career advancement. Heartland Senior Living also provides reasonable accommodations to disabled employees and applicants as required by law.