QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
EDUCATION
It is preferred that the Cook has a high school diploma or equivalency. It is preferred that the Cook has an education in quantity cooking and therapeutic diets.
EXPERIENCE
It is required that the Cook has a minimum of one year dietary experience working in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility or other related medical facility. It is preferred that the Cook has a minimum of three years experience in a related position with proven ability in supervision.
SKILLS REQUIRED
Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathering and analyzing information skillfully to develop alternative solutions both alone and with groups while using reason, even when dealing with emotional topics.
Customer Service:Manages difficult or emotional employee and facility situations, responding promptly to their request for service and assistance, while soliciting feedback to improved service insuring that commitments are met.
Interpersonal:Focuses on solving conflict and not blaming.Maintains confidentiality.Listens to others without interrupting and keeps emotions under control.Remains open to the ideas of others and tries new things.
Team Work:Balances team and individual responsibilities, exhibiting objectivity and openness to the views of others.Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
Planning and Time Utilization:Consistently plans/coordinates work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency without sacrificing quality, accuracy and customer service.Meets deadlines in completing job assignments and special projects.
Oral and Written Communication:Speaks clearly.Listens carefully and gets clarification.Responds well to questions.Has the abilities necessary to communicate and work effectively with various levels of staff, residents, family members, and the public, and for required written documentation or reports.
Numerical ability necessary to make various computations in keeping work records and schedules, monitoring inventory control and supplies, and in recipe preparation.
Ability to read, understand, and follow recipe directions, diet orders and work assignments.
Willingness to perform routine, repetitive tasks with frequent interruptions.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the Cook include preparing and serving quality food according to established recipes and following the prepared recipes and menus; as well as maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene - all in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, facility policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Executive Director, Dining Service Manager,dietician and/or food service supervisor to assure that quality food service is provided at all times.The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties and responsibilities.
FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
ESSENTIAL
The following job functions have been determined to be essential of this position.Management reserves the right to modify this list and other functions as deemed necessary.

1. Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing.
2. Review menus prior to preparation of food to assure accurate preparation.
3. Recognize and respond to dietary emergencies and report observations.
4. Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precaution policies when performing daily tasks.
5. Wear protective clothing and devices when performing tasks that involve the handling of infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
6. Complete forms and reports to document dietary procedures.
7. Report accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately in all situations.
8. Participate in on-going educational programs related to the job.
9. Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and community business.
10. Report disrepair of dietary equipment, etc.
11. Assume the responsibility and accountability of this position.
12. Perform assigned tasks in accordance with community policies and procedures as instructed by supervisor.
13. Notify supervisor of pending absence or tardiness within the time frame described in the personnel handbook.
14. Establish and encourage an atmosphere of optimism, warmth, and interest in resident activity preferences and needs.
15. Follow established smoking regulations and report violations.
16. Perform emergency procedures such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES
In addition to the essential job functions described above, the following job functions are important to the proper fulfillment of the duties:

1. Assist in establishing a foodservice production line, etc. to assure that meals are prepared on time.
2. Assist in and/or direct scheduled cleaning duties.
3. Defrost freezers.
4. Participate in and assist with departmental studies and projects as assigned.
5. Report complaints and grievances to supervisor within three working days.

EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, MACHINES AND/OR TOOLS USED
The following is a list of the principal equipment, materials, machines, tools, etc., used by the employee.
Cooking utensils
Reports and forms
Mixer
Printer
Thermometer
Blender
Copy Machine
Oven
Calculator
Computer
Reference books and materials
Telephone and fax
Food Processor
Miscellaneous office equipment and supplies
Stove
Miscellaneous kitchen equipment and supplies
PHYSICAL STRENGTH REQUIRED
Stands and walks intermittently throughout the working day.Frequently reaches, stoops, bends, lifts, carries, and manipulates various foodstuffs, dietary supplies, and equipment.Visual acuity and color discrimination for examining cooked and stored foods.Taste and smell discrimination in determining nutritional quality and palatability of foods. Ability to work with chemicals and cleaning agents.Exposure to temperature and humidity changes as in entering refrigerated storage areas, working at ovens and ranges, dishwashing machines, and at steam tables.Must be capable of lifting twenty-five pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Because the essential functions of the job may require general involvement in a health care facility, including but not limited to exposure to AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B viruses involving Risk Classification Categories 2 and 3, environmental and safety conditions will fluctuate.To be qualified for the position, a person will have the ability to work in this type of environment without posing a direct threat to self or others.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I understand and acknowledge that this job description sets forth the basic requirements necessary to perform the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all job requirements that may be needed to perform the job.The employer needs may necessitate performance of multiple other tasks, duties, and responsibilities including, but not limited to, assuming the responsibilities of other positions in order to deliver a high quality of service.
I further understand and acknowledge that this job description is not all-inclusive and that the Employer reserves the right to revise and/or change job requirements and responsibilities as needed.
I have reviewed this job description. I certify that I am qualified to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, and without posing a direct threat to others or myself.
I further understand and acknowledge that this job description is not a contract, in whole or in part, and that I am an employee at will.