Head Chef

Culinesse•Ephrata, PA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Culinesse, in partnership with Fairmount Homes, is looking for a Head Chef to join the dining services team. This position will report to the Assistant Food Service Director. The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within the retirement community, ensuring the delivery of high- quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that enhance resident satisfaction and well-being. This role oversees food preparation, assists in menu planning, leads kitchen staff, ensures food safety compliance, assists in inventory management, and maintains a positive and collaborative kitchen culture. The Head Chef serves as a leader and mentor to the culinary team, ensuring consistent execution of meals.

Requirements

Four (4) years in large quantity food production and leadership experience is required.
Personal hygiene and dress must conform with required standards.
Must be able to read, write and follow written instructions.
Must have basic knowledge of safe and sanitary equipment handling practices and maintain Serv Safe Certification or willing to complete Serv Safe Course.
Ability to lead and build teams according to Fairmount Core Values & Dining Directors expectations.
Quick problem-solving skills and ability to lead the kitchen staff calmly and professionally in any given situation.
Ability to work well and genuine desire to serve others according to Fairmount Core Values.
Able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Ability to add and subtract and do basic culinary calculations.
Demonstrates good communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Long term healthcare experience preferred.
Proficiency in windows-based programs preferred.
Able to work some weekends, holidays and evenings.

Responsibilities

Prepare meals according to recipes and instructions, adjusting for altered diets and diets specific to the residents, ensuring that quantity, nutritional, and quality standards are met.
Works with the culinary team to plan, order, and execute menus for the Bistro, Daily resident menus, and special event menus.
Plans and participates in special catering functions with Dining Directors.
Follow all safety guidelines and standards, and ensure that a safe working environment is maintained.
Responsible for following safety guidelines in the event of a staff injury.
Attends facility safety meetings, as scheduled.
Follows all regulations governing the handling and storage of food supplies and equipment, as well as sanitation methods.
Notifies the Maintenance Department of broken or malfunctioning equipment via work requisitions.
Responsible for maintaining food at safe temperatures, recording refrigerator and freezer temperatures, ensuring food has appropriate labels and dates, and discarding food items past their date.
Provides input to the resident’s menu by participating in menu-planning meetings with Dining Directors and Dietitians.
Works with the Dining Directors to obtain standardized recipes and prep sheets for the culinary team, ensuring proper preparation.
Ensure all kitchens across campus are clean and organized in accordance with applicable state regulations.
Lead and coordinate daily meetings and huddle with kitchen team members, with support from Dining Directors.
Performs all other duties as assigned and required by facility needs.
Supports the Mission and Core Values of Fairmount.
Demonstrates an understanding and willingness to take on additional tasks outside of the job description when needed.
Follows emergency procedures and responds rapidly and appropriately to emergencies ensuring the safety of the residents and team members.
Follows proper procedures and promotes safe work practices to maintain a safe working environment.
Adheres to the Fairmount Code of Conduct.
Adheres to Corporate Compliance Plan.
Comply with HIPAA Privacy standards.