Essential Functions:

• Plans weekly menus in accordance with the community policies and procedures, and incorporates a variety of nutritional foods and foods in season
• Maintains an adequate inventory of foods and supplies from company approved vendors
• Continues to look for ways to improve and/or enhance the quality of the food service provided
• Prepares and cooks food in accordance with nutritional guidelines, regulations, and residents’ individual prescribed diets and food preferences
• Ensures that food is prepared and served in an appetizing and appealing manner
• Assists in fostering residents’ independence with eating by taking the time to know the residents and providing adaptive equipment when needed
• Ensures that food is delivered on time
• Visits with the residents at each meal when able to ensure quality of service. Ensures that all concerns will be addressed
• Prepares food and coordinates food services for special community events when requested
• Encourages residents to participate in the food service program by providing a forum for their input and suggestions
• Maintains a clean, organized and safe kitchen environment
• Ensures proper storage and handling of food in accordance with infection control standards
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of food service associates
• Participate in training of all associates, including food service associates, in safety issues, emergency situations, infection control and safe practices
• Supervises all food service associates ensuring adequate staffing meeting the needs of the community
• Ensures that all food staff abide by sanitation and safety regulations and perform their duties as required and expected
• Conduct regular performance appraisals with associates
• Ensure appropriate handling of on-the-job injuries as reported by associates
• Performs Manager On Duty responsibilities when assigned
• The ability to work in a safe and alert manner
• The ability to take ownership for associate’s safety and the safety of the residents
• Must disclose any medication that might impair associate’s ability to perform the job safely or competently.

Qualifications/Skills/Educational Requirements:

• High school education. Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Requires valid state certification as Certified Dietary Manager
• Minimum of one-year experience as a chef/cook
• Minimum of one-year experience with supervision or management
• Current food service sanitation certificate
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Outlook software preferred
• Able to communicate effectively with all levels of management, associates, residents, family members, and outside contacts
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Compliance (HACCP) and OSHA regulations
• Knowledge of state food-handling and kitchen regulations
• Able to make independent decisions
• Able to seek out new methods and willing to incorporate them into existing practices when applicable
• Must possess a passion to work with and around senior citizens