Dietary Cook

Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation•Morgan City, LA

About The Position

The Dietary Cook prepares and serves high-quality meals and snacks for residents while complying with governing agency regulations and facility standards. The cook plans meals according to the menu under the direction of the Dietary Manager, may work with Dietary Aides and Dishwashers, and oversees aspects of meal preparation, kitchen sanitation, and food service. The role also includes maintaining supplies, food and equipment records, resident meal preferences, and a clean, safe kitchen. The Dietary Cook may work beyond normal hours for special events or temporarily assist in other dietary positions when necessary. The position requires professional, courteous communication with residents, families, coworkers, and vendors; confidentiality of resident, employee, and department information in compliance with HIPAA; and adherence to Legacy’s Compliance program, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code. Employees must clock in and out for all working and training hours; off-the-clock work is prohibited.

Requirements

Cooking experience required.
Freedom from illegal use of drugs.
Freedom 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.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma preferred.
Experience in a long-term care setting preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve appetizing meals and snacks for residents.
Plan meals according to the menu under the direction of the Dietary Manager, with assistance from Dietary Aides and/or Dishwashers.
Supervise Dietary Aides and Dishwashers to keep them on task and maintain an orderly, clean kitchen.
Follow recipes to maintain nutritional value and avoid waste.
Provide meal substitutions requested by residents.
Maintain the kitchen in accordance with state and federal regulations and standards.
Label and store food appropriately after opening or use.
Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, work areas, storage areas, and serving areas after use.
Oversee preparation of meals, snacks, and special-event food items.
Prepare special nourishments or supplements as instructed by the Dietary Manager, labeling them with the resident’s name and room number when needed.
Help establish and maintain supplies and notify a supervisor of shortages or discrepancies.
Record temperatures of food, refrigerators, freezers, and beverage dispensers as instructed.
May assist with training other dietary personnel.
Oversee sanitation of food carts after meal service and timely processing of dirty dishes for the next meal service.
May assist with unpacking, dating, and rotating food and supplies.
Help maintain tray cards and prepare meal trays according to them.
Identify and correct safety hazards.
Ensure staff entering the kitchen are clean and well-groomed in accordance with regulations and the facility dress code, including requirements such as hairnets, aprons, and non-slip shoes.
Work beyond normal working hours for special events and temporarily perform other dietary duties when necessary.
Represent the facility professionally and positively in the community.
Communicate professionally and courteously with residents, families, coworkers, and vendors using effective verbal and non-verbal communication.
Maintain confidentiality of department, resident, and employee information, communications, and documentation, and comply with HIPAA.
Clock in and out for all work and training hours; do not work off the clock.
Comply with Legacy’s Compliance program and plan, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code.