We support 14 skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and therapy programs across Utah, Texas, and Missouri—with continued growth on the horizon. Our team is made up of committed industry leaders with decades of experience as operators and clinicians.

Our mission is simple and powerful: to relieve suffering, spread joy, and empower communities. Every Tide-affiliated facility is guided by this purpose, from the front line to executive leadership.

Job Description:

Job Title: Dietary Cook – Long-Term Care Facility

Department: Dietary Services
Reports To: Dietary Manager / Food Service Director

Job Summary

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious, appetizing meals for residents in a long-term care facility. This position ensures meals are prepared according to physician-ordered therapeutic diets, food safety regulations, and facility standards while promoting resident satisfaction and quality of care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and production schedules.
• Follow therapeutic diet orders including diabetic, low-sodium, renal, mechanical soft, pureed, and texture-modified diets.
• Ensure proper portion control and attractive meal presentation.
• Prepare meals in accordance with federal, state, and local food safety regulations.
• Monitor and record food temperatures during preparation, holding, and service.
• Maintain sanitation of kitchen equipment, workstations, and storage areas.
• Rotate food inventory using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principles.
• Label and store food products properly.
• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely.
• Communicate with dietary aides, nursing staff, and supervisors regarding resident dietary needs.
• Report equipment malfunctions, food shortages, and safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with special events, holiday meals, and modified menus as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous cooking experience in healthcare, long-term care, hospital, or institutional food service preferred.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and food preparation techniques.
• Ability to read recipes and production sheets.
• Basic math skills for recipe conversions and portioning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Understanding of modified diets and nutrition principles for older adults.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain accuracy under time constraints.
• Strong customer service skills when interacting with residents and staff.
• Dependability, punctuality, and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Push and pull food carts and kitchen equipment.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and twist regularly.
• Work in environments with heat, steam, cold storage, and wet floors.
• Possess sufficient manual dexterity to operate commercial kitchen equipment safely.

Work Environment

• Commercial healthcare kitchen.
• Exposure to hot equipment, sharp utensils, cleaning chemicals, and refrigerated/freezer environments.
• Requires weekend, holiday, and rotating shift availability.

Performance Expectations

The Dietary Cook is expected to:

• Prepare meals accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Follow all therapeutic diet orders without error.
• Demonstrate teamwork and professionalism.
• Promote resident satisfaction through quality meal preparation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with all facility policies and regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

• Food Safety & Sanitation
• Therapeutic Diet Preparation
• Quality Meal Production
• Time Management
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Resident-Centered Care
• Reliability
• Attention to Detail
• Safety Awareness