Dietary Cook

TLC Management•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Dietary Cook prepares and serves attractive meals that meet customer expectations while maintaining a clean and safe Dining Services environment in accordance with facility policies and applicable federal, state, and other regulatory requirements. The role involves preparing food according to standardized recipes and menus, ensuring proper portioning and serving, monitoring and recording temperatures, and keeping the kitchen and equipment clean and adequately supplied. The Dietary Cook may direct and supervise Dining Aides when needed and may be responsible for opening the kitchen. The position also involves interacting with residents to gather meal feedback, attending educational classes and meetings, protecting resident confidentiality and privacy, and complying with safety and infection-control requirements.

Requirements

Understanding of Dining Services procedures and practices.
Ability to follow oral, written, and verbal instructions; function independently; and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Ability to read recipes and menus.
Genuine interest in seniors and willingness to work in the best interests of residents and the facility.
Personal integrity and ability to deal tactfully with residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and personnel.
Ability to work harmoniously with Dining Services staff and other facility personnel.
Judgment in prioritizing tasks, duties, and responsibilities according to established standards, policies, and procedures.
Ability to be discreet, protect confidential information, and comply with Corporate Compliance.
Patience, a cheerful disposition, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with residents at their current maturity and physical levels.
Ability to adhere to a professional code of ethics.
Ability to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED is preferred but not required.
ServSafe certified or willing to obtain certification.
At least one year of experience in a similar position is preferred.
Interpersonal and managerial skills.

Responsibilities

Prepare quality food products according to standardized recipes and menus.
Ensure proper preparation, portioning, and serving of foods according to standardized recipes.
Maintain and record assigned temperatures daily, and follow temperature regulations when preparing, serving, and storing foods.
Direct and supervise Dining Aides when needed.
Have food ready at the specified time and begin meal service on time.
Occasionally visit residents in dining rooms to gather feedback about meals served.
Clean food service equipment after use and complete other cleaning tasks according to the posted department schedule.
Replenish supplies in work areas as necessary.
Sweep and mop floors.
Open the kitchen when needed, including turning on lights and unlocking or starting equipment.
Attend and participate in educational classes, department meetings, and staff in-services.
Maintain confidentiality of residents and their care, protecting resident rights and privacy.
Comply with safety requirements and infection-control measures, and maintain a clean work environment.