COOK

State of Arkansas•Benton, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Position is located at the Arkansas Health Center in Benton, AR, which is a long-term nursing home facility for residents with behavioral issues. Because the Arkansas Health Center is a long-term nursing home facility, Cook generally works 10-hour shifts and rotating schedules. Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire. The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like childcare centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others. The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation.
Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.
Previous kitchen or cooking experience.
Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs.
Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies.
Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.