POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for pre-preparation of foods for cooks to utilize. Responsible for appropriate quantities of food prepared to meet standardized recipes and portion control. Assists cooks with meal preparation and service as necessary.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

A. Job Knowledge and Role Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric residents.

2. Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to prepare meals for residents with the following needs: regular and therapeutic diets along with consistency modifications.

3. Attends all mandatory inservices by employee’s anniversary date.

4. Acts appropriately under the direction of the Head Cook or Dietary Supervisor and acts as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.

5. Follows established departmental procedures in accordance with state regulations and administrative policies.

6. Follows the established standardized recipes and monitors food production and waste.

7. Assists in the preparation and portioning of meal items according to menu and diet requirements.

8. Reviews menus for special diet needs prior to meal.

9. Oversees pre-preparation of food and ensures that meals are properly prepared. Prepares all side dishes according to meal specifications.

10. Prepares cold food as needed.

11. Prepares food to coincide with meal serving hours so that quality , temperature and appearance of food is preserved.

12. Adjusts each meals’ production sheet accordingly based on current diet and meal census.

13. Accounts for proper portion control to ensure adequate nutritional intake.

14. Assists in preparing sufficient quantities of food for residents and staff.

15. Directs and serves individual portions for residents in dining room and residents receiving tray service.

16. Serves meals in the employee cafeteria and monitors cash sales.

17. Operates all kitchen equipment as necessary.

18. Monitors perishable foods and ensures proper storage and rotation.

19. Performs cleaning assignments in kitchen or serving areas as scheduled or directed.

20. Ensures residents and customer satisfaction according to resident likes and dislikes.

21. Demonstrates ability to adjust shift assignments to meet resident and facility needs.

22. Demonstrates knowledge of and complies with the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program when performing work functions.

B. Role Responsibilities – Interpersonal Skills:

1. Is aware of, and adheres to, Resident’s Bill of Rights and Confidentiality of Resident Information.

2. Interacts with residents, family members, co-workers, clinical and ancillary staff in a non-judgmental, supportive and calm manner.

3. Addresses resident and family satisfaction issues immediately by reporting them to the supervisor in a professional manner.

4. Is aware of Resident Abuse Reporting Law.

5. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.

B. Role Responsibilities – Safety

1. Demonstrates ability to locate emergency equipment (i.e. fire extinguisher).

2. Understands and demonstrates knowledge of role in Fire and Disaster drills.

3. Demonstrates ability to identify and respond appropriately to potential behavioral outbursts.

4. Uses facility equipment safely.

5. Recognizes, removes and/or reports potential hazards.

6. Follows established safety rules/accident prevention.

7. Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment by ensuring proper maintenance of equipment.

C. Role Responsibility - Infection Control

1. Maintains proper food, cooler and freezer storage.

2. Demonstrates proper handwashing techniques.

3. Maintains proper food handling techniques and ensures glove usage, as appropriate.

4. Disposes of waste properly.

5. Understands and maintains kitchen sanitation procedures.

6. Ensures appropriate food temperature.

7. Follows procedures regarding compliance with departmental dress code.

E. Resident Care Responsibilities - Resident Dignity

1. Addresses residents in a respectful manner.

2. Discusses confidential resident information in appropriate areas only.

F. Other Duties as Assigned by Head Cook or Food Service Supervisor.