Cook

Position Summary: In alignment with WellQuest’s mission and values, the Cook or Lead Cook is responsible for preparing food in accordance with the approved menu, current standards, guidelines, and regulations to assure that quality food service is always provided in the Community. All responsibilities must be completed in accordance with Company policies and procedures, current standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Position Responsibilities:

· Prepare and cook all food items and meals in accordance with planned menus and recipes ensuring all meals and food prepared are of high quality, palatable and appetizing. Assist in food preparation for special meals, parties, events, etc.

· Prepare soups, appetizers, entrees, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts for both the regular and special diets for the residents, as well as the meals served to the team members and all special events requiring food service.

· Prepare substitute foods for residents who refuse foods served. Make only authorized food substitutions and consult with and advise Executive Chef or Sous Chef on menu changes.

· Prepare food and serve in accordance with sanitary regulations, as well as with established policies and procedures. Report any incidents or infractions to Sous Chef or Executive Chef.

· Inspect special diet requests and orders to ensure that the correct diet is being served.

· Plan the timing of food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that quality, temperature, and appearance of food are preserved.

· Maintain control over meal portions and food consistency. Estimate food requirements and control serving portions thereby eliminating waste and leftovers.

· Ensure that the next day’s items are in stock and pulled and thawing under refrigeration as dictated by the menus.

· Open or close kitchen as dictated by department scheduling. Ensure co-workers arrive in a timely manner and notify the supervisor or Manager on Duty of any team member call offs, tardiness, or absences.

· Assist, when requested, in the purchasing, inventory, checking in and storing of food and supplies. Ensure that stock levels of staple/non-staple food, supplies, equipment, etc., are always organized and maintained at adequate levels. Work closely with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in specifying and selecting food products.

· Ensure that food storage areas are clean and properly organized/arranged at all times. Responsible for all cleaning items assigned and/or posted on daily/weekly checklist and those assigned by the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.

· Ensure a sanitary work environment and conform to all local codes and policies regarding proper storage, handling and serving of food.

· Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established Company policy.

· Responsible for the labeling, dating, safely storing, and efficient use of all items within the kitchen’s inventory.

· Record temperatures of coolers and freezers as required by Company policy

General Duties:

· Respond to resident concerns in a professional and caring manner. Elevate issues to a supervisor when appropriate.

· Demonstrate knowledge of each resident as an individual.

· Maintain a safe and secure environment for all team members, residents, and guests, following established safety procedures:

o Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP)

o Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens

o Evacuation and Disaster Plans

o Resident Elopement procedures

· Report occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures.

· As required by state licensure, complete monthly training, attend scheduled in-services and mandatory meetings. Maintain all required certifications/licensures as required.

· Demonstrate flexibility in the work schedule as evidenced by working holidays, evenings, weekends, and additional shifts when necessary to ensure adequate coverage within the department.

· Display tact and friendliness when interacting with residents, families, and visitors.

· Encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions with co-workers and other departments.

· Provide support to Community’s marketing efforts through positive, friendly interaction during all Community tours and telephone contact with the public.

· Ensure positive, friendly interactions with all potential residents, family members and referral sources.

· Complete necessary paperwork for and report any observed or suspected resident change of condition.

· Understand and ensure compliance with all Federal (Title 22) and state regulations concerning the department.

· Participate in daily “Stand-Up” meetings to communicate key issues within the department.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

· Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

· High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

· Prefer six (6) months experience working in a restaurant or similar environment as a cook.

· Able to safely operate standard cooking equipment and utensils typically found in facilities serving food.

· Knowledge of and/or ability to learn the theory and practice of assisted living and dementia care.

· Able to work with seniors and patiently interact with cognitively impaired individuals.

· Able to operate office equipment including copier, telephone, postage machine, time clock, medical alert system.

· Able to adapt and respond to change, make decisions, and prioritize tasks and projects.

· Able to read, write and speak the English language to interact and communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, physicians, health care professionals, residents, and their families.

· Must be highly motivated and able to work independently.

· Able to obtain and maintain valid First Aid, CPR, and Food Handler’s certification, as needed.

· Must pass a Criminal Background check and Health Screening tests, including COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours of start date.

· Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or valid exemption due to Qualifying Medical Reasons or Religious Beliefs subject to legal requirements.

Ability and Experience requirements:

• Must have previous experience as a cook in an institutional setting.
• Must have criminal record clearance.
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Education Requirements

• High school diploma is preferred.

Salary : $18 - $19