Culinary Specialist

BETHESDA HEALTH AND HOUSING • Willmar, MN

8d

About The Position

The Culinary Specialist provides residents with well-prepared, nutritious meals served with individual thoughtfulness. The position works with the dietary team and coordinates with departments and people across the facility, including nursing, activities, business office, social services, maintenance, laundry, residents and their families, and volunteers. The role reports to the Dietary Director and has part-time evening shifts available.

The Culinary Specialist plans daily work around menus and cleaning schedules, helps prepare and serve meals and snacks, supports residents’ individual and therapeutic dietary needs, and completes dishwashing and cleaning duties. The role requires attention to sanitation, safety, meal schedules, accurate dietary instructions, teamwork, and residents’ wellbeing. Work involves standing, stooping, bending, and walking throughout the scheduled shift; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; exposure to temperature extremes; and working with detergents, chemicals, and ware-washing tasks.

Requirements

• Previous food-service experience is desirable.
• Previous long-term-care experience is desirable.
• Ability to read English, write, and perform mathematical calculations.
• Willingness to learn and ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks.
• Self-motivation, including the ability to work without the dietary manager present.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute to teamwork.
• Efficient time-management skills and ability to complete assigned duties within the required time.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining large and small equipment, including commercial equipment.
• Understanding of daily menu requirements and residents’ individual dietary requirements.
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety requirements, including measures that meet state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of weights and measures, food storage, and therapeutic diets.
• Ability to work with geriatric residents with care and empathy.
• Good physical and mental health.
• Ability to maintain mental alertness and accurately follow menus, therapeutic diets, food textures, and resident requests while managing time requirements.
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and walk throughout the scheduled shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around temperature extremes and with detergents, chemicals, and ware-washing assignments.

Nice To Haves

• Previous food-service experience.
• Previous long-term-care experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan the day's work schedule based on the menu and cleaning schedule, and meet meal-time schedules.
• Follow sanitation and safety procedures while working and when operating or cleaning equipment.
• Assist with timely, accurate, and attractive meal service, including dishing up salads, desserts, beverages, bread, and condiments.
• Assist with dining-room setup and service, record residents’ intake, and clean up after meals.
• Prepare between-meal nourishments and supplements, and deliver and clean snack carts.
• Assist with receiving and storing food supplies when needed.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff and families about residents’ special needs.
• Record and carry out resident dietary changes.
• Wash dishes after meals and wash pots and pans during the shift.
• Monitor dishwasher temperatures, procedures, and performance.
• Comply with facility policies and uphold residents’ rights.
• Attend in-service sessions and required training.
• Work cooperatively toward facility goals with enthusiasm, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation.
• Perform other jobs as assigned by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed