Cook - LaSalle County Nursing Home
About The Position
The Cook prepares fresh meals for residents in a healthcare setting, supporting wellness and recovery through food. The role follows healthcare dietary guidelines and patient menus, and accommodates special diets, allergies, and other food restrictions. The Cook works with dietary and clinical staff to meet patients’ nutritional and medical needs, while ensuring food is prepared safely and attractively and maintaining a clean, sanitized, organized kitchen. This is a full-time, non-exempt, primarily site-based position. Days and hours align with the food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be needed for special events or operational needs, and occasional travel to other locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. The work takes place primarily in a kitchen and food production environment, with moderate to loud noise during meal service.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience.
- ServSafe certification, or ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe after hire; local food safety certification is required where applicable.
- Proficiency in recipe procedures and cooking techniques, including batch cooking and recipe execution.
- Ability to speak and read English sufficiently to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
- Commitment to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Dependable, professional, positive, and caring attitude, with an interest in resident nutrition and wellbeing.
- Ability to stand for most of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side.
- Ability to work around hot and cold temperatures and move in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers.
Nice To Haves
- Residential, correctional, or institutional food service experience.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook meals according to healthcare dietary guidelines and patient menus.
- Prepare food safely and attractively, meeting portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards.
- Follow procedures for special diets, allergies, and food restrictions.
- Maintain a clean, sanitized, organized, and properly stocked kitchen and work station.
- Collaborate with dietary and clinical staff to meet patients’ nutritional and medical needs.
- Follow HACCP, ServSafe, and applicable food safety and sanitation standards.
- Complete temperature logs and production records accurately and on time.
- Manage the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines.
- Follow company policies, production standards, and assigned schedules.
- Work cooperatively with the Chef Manager and other food service workers to meet daily service goals.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Retirement benefits.
- Paid time off.
- Paid training.
- Opportunities for growth.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
