Cook

Commonwealth Senior Living at North Byron•Wyoming, MI

About The Position

The Cook, under the direction of designated management and supervisors, prepares, presents, stores, and dispatches food products for dining room and bistro service, marketing and catering events, and resident tray service where required. The role involves preparing food to menu specifications and within time limits established by the Dining Services Director, while meeting Commonwealth Senior Living standards and complying with health and safety regulations and safe food-handling guidelines. The Cook ensures meals meet presentation, taste, quality, and dietary requirements; prepares appropriate quantities and portions; and maintains safe, sanitary food-preparation and storage areas. The role also involves maintaining inventory, assisting with training new employees, reporting incidents and policy infractions, and supporting the department’s service and sales culture. The Cook models the company’s core values and helps ensure personnel exemplify them.

Requirements

At least 1 year of cooking experience.
Knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, production, sanitation, food-cost controls, and presentation.
Knowledge of food-service methods and procedures, sanitation principles, and safe food handling.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Effective communication skills.
Flexibility and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse work environment.
Effective teamwork skills.
Computer literacy, including working skills with MS Word, Excel, and email.
Attention to detail.
Strong time-management and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
Problem-identification and problem-resolution skills.
Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.

Nice To Haves

Working experience in the retirement home industry.

Responsibilities

Prepare, present, store, and dispatch food for dining room and bistro service, marketing and catering events, and resident tray service where required.
Prepare and serve menu items according to departmental policies, procedures, and established menu specifications.
Ensure menu items meet established standards for presentation, taste, quality, and dietary requirements.
Prepare meals based on menus, nutritional programs, and individual plans.
Ensure residents receive meals that meet their dietary requirements.
Prepare the correct quantities of food for daily needs and serve proper portion sizes at the proper temperatures.
Maintain food quality and safety through sanitary practices, including cleaning floors and surfaces and properly covering and storing food.
Prepare meals on time and work at an efficient, consistent pace; remain productive and prepare for future needs as time allows.
Use kitchen equipment during food preparation.
Demonstrate flexibility and volunteer to fill open shifts as required by staffing variations.
Follow reporting procedures for accidents and incidents, and report infractions of food-services policies and procedures.
Follow regulations and procedures for blood-borne pathogens, infection control, hazardous materials, and fire safety.
Ensure food and departmental supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner and maintain adequate inventory.
Assist with training new employees.
Arrive at work at the scheduled time and perform other related duties as required.
Model the company’s core values and help ensure personnel exemplify them.
Create and drive the sales culture.