Cooks

Caretel of St. Joseph•Royalton Township, MI

About The Position

The Cook works in the Dietary department and reports to the Food Service Director. The position provides nourishing food to residents and employees under sanitary conditions, following established policies and procedures. The Cook helps maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary dietary department by assisting with dietary functions and providing shift supervision to dietary aides. The Cook prepares and serves meals, including meals for special events, plans ahead to minimize substitutions, and works with the facility’s Registered Dietitian to meet residents’ nutritional needs. The role oversees food supplies and tray-line operations, ensures proper food storage and labeling, and maintains sanitation and safety standards. The Cook also provides general shift oversight to dietary aides and may assist with hiring, orientation, and staff training. The position requires effective and tactful communication with residents, families, visitors, peers, and supervisors; prompt, courteous responses to call lights when working in resident care areas; and reporting resident concerns and workplace hazards to appropriate personnel. The Cook must be able to work with residents who may have cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments and to work in potentially stressful or emergency situations. Nights and weekends may be required to accommodate resident needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to prepare and ensure service of nutritional meals at the proper times and temperatures while preserving flavor and appearance.
Ability to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions, including calculations.
Knowledge of attractive food service, sanitation, and safety.
Ability to work nights and weekends to accommodate residents’ needs.
Ability to tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids, with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
Manual dexterity required to operate modern office and kitchen equipment.
Ability to work with residents who may have cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments.
Ability to work in potentially stressful or emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Food Sanitation Certification preferred.
One year of experience as a Cook preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide flavorful, attractive, nourishing meals to residents, staff, and visitors at the proper temperature, and record temperatures according to regulations.
Prepare meals for special events as needed.
Plan meals sufficiently in advance to minimize food substitutions.
Work with the facility’s Registered Dietitian to ensure meals meet residents’ nutritional needs and make approved changes to meal plans when necessary.
Ensure food supplies are appropriate and place orders when necessary.
Oversee the food tray line to ensure trays meet dietary needs and orders and are prepared efficiently for scheduled meal and snack times.
Provide general oversight to dietary aides during the shift as directed.
Ensure food and drinks are labeled and dated in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Put stock away using the First In, First Out method.
Ensure food is stored, labeled, and dated properly; remove expired items and damaged cans or other items, and ensure delegated storage tasks are completed properly.
Ensure equipment, dishes, tables, meal carts, and other items are cleaned and sanitized correctly, including tasks delegated to others.
Assist with hiring, orientation, and training of food service staff.
Ensure sanitation policies and procedures are followed in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Follow safety precautions when performing tasks and using equipment and supplies.
Keep the work area clean and free of hazards, including spills and excess carts.
Ensure equipment, tools, and supplies are properly stored.
Communicate and interact effectively and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
Report hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, and supply issues to the supervisor.
Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested, and attend education programs and continuing education required to maintain professional certification or licensure.
Respond promptly and courteously to call lights when working in resident care areas.
Report resident concerns to the appropriate department head.
Perform duties in compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and facility policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Perform other tasks as required.
Provide shift supervision and general operational oversight, including making on-the-spot corrections for dietary aides when appropriate and informing the Food Service Director of performance or operational concerns.
Lead by example, demonstrate professionalism, support supervisors and leadership, and contribute positively to the team and organization.