Head Cook/Manager

Head Cook / Dietary Manager

Position Summary

The Head Cook / Dietary Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the dietary department within a Pennsylvania Personal Care Home. This includes meal preparation, kitchen management, staff oversight, and food safety compliance in accordance with:

• 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600 (Personal Care Home Regulations)
• Applicable food safety and sanitation standards
• Facility policies and resident care plans

The position ensures that all residents receive nutritionally balanced, safe, and appropriate meals that meet individual dietary needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Meal Preparation and Food Service

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with approved menus and standardized recipes
• Ensure all meals meet nutritional requirements and physician-ordered diets
• Prepare and serve modified and therapeutic diets (e.g., diabetic, low sodium, mechanical soft, pureed)
• Ensure food is served at proper temperatures and within safe timeframes
• Maintain proper portion control and meal presentation
• Assist with meal service as needed

2. Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance

• Assist in development and implementation of monthly menus
• Ensure menus:
• Provide three balanced meals daily and snacks
• Reflect variety, nutritional adequacy, and resident preferences
• Ensure menu substitutions maintain nutritional equivalency
• Ensure menus are posted and maintained per DHS expectations

3. Food Safety and Sanitation (Critical for Survey)

• Maintain compliance with:
• Safe food handling practices
• Proper storage and labeling procedures
• Cleaning and sanitizing protocols for kitchen surfaces and equipment
• Monitor and document:
• Refrigerator and freezer temperatures
• Dishwashing and sanitizer concentrations
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen at all times

4. Dietary Department Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and workflow
• Monitor food inventory, rotate stock, and prevent spoilage
• Ensure food is purchased from approved sources and stored properly
• Coordinate meal service schedules with facility routines

5. Staff Supervision and Training

• Supervise dietary staff and assign duties as needed
• Ensure staff are trained in:
• Food safety
• Infection control
• Modified diet preparation
• Ensure dietary staff meet training expectations under:
• §2600.55–§2600.61 (Staffing & training requirements)

6. Resident-Centered Care

• Accommodate resident dietary preferences when feasible
• Ensure meals align with:
• Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
• Physician orders and dietary restrictions
• Promote a positive dining experience for residents

7. Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain records including:
• Menu documentation
• Temperature logs
• Cleaning/sanitation logs
• Food inventory records
• Assist in preparation for DHS inspections and audits
• Immediately report any dietary or food safety concerns to administration

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prior experience in:
• Cooking in healthcare, assisted living, or PCH setting preferred
• Supervisory experience preferred

Certifications

• ServSafe® or equivalent food safety certification (preferred/recommended)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Food safety and sanitation standards
• Nutrition for elderly populations
• Modified and therapeutic diets
• Ability to:
• Manage kitchen operations independently
• Supervise and train staff
• Maintain compliance with DHS and health regulations
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing and walking (up to 8–10 hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Frequent bending, reaching, and handling kitchen equipment

Work Environment

• Licensed Pennsylvania Personal Care Home (PCH) setting
• Exposure to:
• Heat from cooking equipment
• Cleaning chemicals
• Food preparation environments

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18