Administrative Functions

• Review menus prior to preparation of food.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident in accordance with diet order and correction portion size
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submit to the Director of Food Services.
• Coordinate dietary service with other departments as necessary.
• Work with the facility's dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Assure that dietary substitutions are made in accordance with facility dietitian recommendations
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
• Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of Cook.
• Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed.

Personnel Functions

• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel as well as with other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals to the Director of Food Services.

Dietary Service

• Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with required food temperature at point of service.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus and physician orders.
• Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare and serve bedtime snacks.
• Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray.
• Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with foods served.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.

Safety and Sanitation

• Prepare food in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as our established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel.
• Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained.
• Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Director of Food Services immediately.
• Report all accidents/incidents as established by department policies. Fill out and file reports as directed.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
• Assure that all food is stored at the proper temperature- dry storage, refrigerator and freezer;
• Assure that temperature logs are maintained for all refrigerated and frozen food areas each shift
• Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Report missing/illegible labels or MSDSs to the Director of Food Services.
• Assist in serving meals as necessary and on a timely basis.
• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc.

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education.
• Must be at least 18 years old in age.
• ServSafe Food Manager 

Experience

• One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary).
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able and willing to wear required hair coverings on head and/or beard as applicable.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of twenty-five pounds.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to determine quality and palatability.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.