Assisted Living Cook

White River Area Agency on Aging Inc•Batesville, AR

About The Position

The Cook is part of the Eagle Mountain Assisted Living Operations Team and supports its philosophy of “Caring for the Whole Person.” The role prepares and serves attractive, nutritious meals and beverages with quality service, manages costs, and meets state health and regulatory standards. The Cook works with the Food Service Director and the broader team to support residents’ dietary needs and provide quality food service to residents, staff, families, visitors, and guests, including at special events. The position also supports meal service, dishwashing, kitchen and dining-area cleaning, food and equipment inventory, staff training, and compliance with health regulations and safety procedures. It requires clear communication and effective collaboration with residents, families, staff, visitors, and volunteers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience in food preparation in a service environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated effective time-management skills and ability to prioritize and complete tasks within allotted time.
Ability to define and solve problems, collect and interpret information from varied sources, and apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
Ability to read and understand recipes, work in a team, handle multiple tasks, communicate effectively, and work flexible shifts.
Experience and/or knowledge of special diets, large-group meal preparation, and safe food-handling techniques.
Ability to express information adequately in writing and orally with residents, family members, staff, visitors, and volunteers, including speaking clearly enough to be understood by people with varying levels of cognitive impairment.
Support and understanding of the community’s five domains of health: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social.
Enjoy working with seniors and be able to accept constructive criticism.
Ability to interact with residents who are highly susceptible to common illness without posing additional health risks.
Freedom from illegal drug use and from the use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
Must not have been found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating individuals in a health-care-related setting.
Must pass a state criminal background check.
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability as required by state law.
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations and remain calm under stress.
Able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations without posing a specific, current risk of substantial harm to the health and safety of self or others.

Nice To Haves

Experience in senior resident services is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook balanced, nutritious meals for residents, staff, family members, visitors, and guests, including for special events.
Check daily menus for advance preparation needs; follow menus, control portions, and ensure appropriate plate presentation.
Work with the Food Service Director and the team to build communication with residents and families, support adjustment to the community, address special dietary needs, and implement appropriate dietary plans.
Assist with meal service and tray preparation; deliver meals to residents’ apartments when needed.
Wash and inspect dishware and glassware, store clean items to prevent contamination, and keep the dishwashing machine and dish room clean and operational.
Report equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to the Food Service Director.
Deliver ice to the dining room and assist Resident Assistants with serving and returning dishes when needed.
Ensure dishes are available for the next meal; assist with removing dishes and carts from the dining room.
Clean the dining room, tables, chairs, floors, food preparation areas, utensils, and equipment; wash dishes, take out trash, and mop floors.
Perform daily cleaning and weekly deep cleaning of the kitchen, dish room, pantry, walk-ins, and dining room.
Refill table condiments and restock the beverage and snack bar; reset dining tables as required.
Participate in food and equipment cleaning and inventory as assigned.
Turn off electrical and gas appliances before leaving kitchen areas and secure the kitchen at the end of the day.
Follow departmental dress code and hygiene and safety practices; maintain and update Material Safety Data Sheets documentation as needed.
Help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations.
Participate in initial and ongoing Food Service staff training and community in-service training.
Carry out special duties or projects and other assigned responsibilities.
Demonstrate active listening, patience, tact, respect, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm in interactions with residents and others.