LEAD COOK (9am-5pm, Fri.-Tues.)

POSITION: 
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Cook for the Dietary Department to oversee meal preparation and ensure the highest standards of food quality and safety. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and a thorough understanding of dietary requirements. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a compassionate environment focused on nourishing our community through expertly prepared meals. The Lead Cook will play a vital role in menu planning, food safety, and supervising kitchen operations to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
 
REPORTING: 
This position is responsible to the Dietary Services Supervisor.   
 
FLSA STATUS:      Non-exempt 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Lead and coordinate daily food preparation activities within the dietary department, ensuring adherence to menus and dietary guidelines
• Oversee meal planning, portion control, and presentation to meet quality standards
• Supervise kitchen staff, providing training and support in food preparation, cooking techniques, and food handling procedures
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and proper sanitation practices at all times
• Manage inventory levels, order supplies, and monitor storage conditions to prevent waste and ensure freshness

JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Covering Cook and Dietary Aide shifts as needed
• Supervise the PM shift
• Be able to work weekends
•  Assist the AM and PM cooks with their duties, help with needed prep for next day (prepare salads, desserts, sides etc.). Assist dietary aides when needed, includes washing dishes if needed.
• Assist with putting away deliveries
• Visit with residents if there is an issue
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) 

• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination. 
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.  
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.   

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:      
Primarily inside work, normal to above normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 

This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population.  Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff. 
 

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: 
Education:       
    High School graduate or equivalent preferred  
License:       
   Active Food Handler's card and ServSafe Certification, preferred 

Work Experience:     

• 3 to 5 years experience cooking in a commercial kitchen or long term health care dietary department preferred.  Functional literacy and knowledge of basic concepts of nutrition and diet management for regular, modified and therapeutic diets. 
• Proven experience in dietary department settings or as a dietary aide is highly desirable
• Strong background in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen management within the food industry or restaurant environment
• This is a Union building

Language Skills: 

• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.   

Salary : $20 - $22