JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose of the Dietary Cook position is to prepare food for the residents at the facility. JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative Functions · Review menus prior to food preparation. · Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident. · Complete necessary forms, reports, etc. as requested by the Dietary Manager or Dietitian. · Coordinate food preparation services with other department as necessary. · Work with the facility’s dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required. · Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed according to facility policies. · Ensure that menus are maintained and filed according to facility policies and procedures. · Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc. to assure that meals are prepared on time. · Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services. Dietary Service Functions · Prepare meals according to planned menus. · Prepare and serve meals that are tasty and appetizing in appearance. · Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures. · Prepare food for therapeutic diets according to planned menus. · Prepare food according to standardized recipes and special diet orders. · Prepare and serve nutritional supplements and snacks. · Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident’s meal tray. · Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with food served. · Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served. · Make only authorized food substitutions. · Assist in serving meals when necessary. · Assist in food preparation for special meals, parties, etc. Personnel Functions · Develop and maintain a good working relationship with other food service personnel as well as with other department associates so that food services can be properly maintained to meet the resident’s needs. · Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the department. Safety and Sanitation Functions · Prepare food according to sanitary regulations as well as facility policy. · Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel. · Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions procedures when performing daily tasks. · Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals to the Dietary Manager. · Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties. · Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained in good working order. · Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Dietary Manager immediately. · Report all accidents/incidents according to facility policy. Complete all necessary reports. · Maintain food storage areas in a clean and orderly manner at all times. · Dispose of food and waste according to facility policies. · Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids. · Report missing/unreadable labels or MSDSs to Dietary Manager. Equipment and Supply Functions · Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available. · Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc. as necessary. · Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Dietary Manager. Resident Rights Responsibilities · Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information. · Knock before entering a resident’s room. · Report food/dietary complaints to the Dietary Manager. Working Conditions · Works in food preparation area as well as throughout the dietary service areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking. · May experience temporary exposure to cold temperatures in the refrigerator/freezer. · May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage areas. · Moves intermittently during work hours. · Is subject to frequent interruptions. · Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances. · Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors. · Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors. · Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary. · Is subject to callback during emergency conditions. · Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants. · Attends and participates in continuing educational programs. · Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. · May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals. · Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents’ needs. Staff Development Functions Participate in departmental projects as assigned. Attend in-service programs and on-the-job training classes as directed. · Attend annual HazCom, blood borne pathogens, and TB in-service training programs
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Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed