Prep Cook

Fairlawn of Olympus Retirement Living • Gresham, OR

68d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prep Cook assists the Dietary Aide and Cook with daily responsibilities, preparing food for regular and therapeutic diets according to a planned menu, as well as for employees and special events. The role involves preparing alternative items to meet residents’ individual needs and food preferences, and ensuring food is prepared using proper food handling and safety techniques. The Prep Cook is responsible for ensuring meals and snacks are delivered on time, maintaining proper food temperatures, and serving resident meals accurately according to their diet orders and preferences. This position also involves washing dishes, maintaining a clean work area, performing cleaning assignments, and using proper infection control techniques. Additionally, the Prep Cook assists with receiving and storing food and supplies, managing inventory, and using supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste. The role requires maintaining kitchen security, operating equipment safely, and reporting any issues promptly. The Prep Cook is expected to work cooperatively as a team member, interact positively with residents, families, and visitors, and ensure punctuality and regular attendance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification required.
• Food Handlers permit if required per state regulations.
• Six months’ experience in large quantity food preparation.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with therapeutic diet preparation preferred.
• Six months experience in a long term care environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists Dietary Aide and Cook with daily responsibilities
• Prepares food for regular and therapeutic diets according to a planned menu, as well as for employees and special events, as requested by the Culinary Manager.
• Prepares alternative items to meet residents’ individual needs and food preferences.
• Prepares and/or portions food using proper food handling and food safety techniques according to established policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
• Makes only authorized changes to the planned menu and records the change according to established policy.
• Ensures that food tastes good and is served in an attractive, appetizing manner.
• Utilizes standardized recipes to prepare menu items.
• Ensures that meals and snacks are delivered to designated areas according to established time schedules.
• Ensures that the proper quantity of food is prepared and/or pre-portioned as directed and within established time schedules.
• Maintains the proper temperature of food during preparation and service. Records temperatures of food according to established procedures.
• Serves resident meals/snacks accurately in accordance with a planned menu, the residents’ diet orders, and food preferences.
• Uses the correct portion control utensils during the preparation, pre-portioning, and service of food.
• Labels, dates, and stores food properly according to established policies.
• Ensures that refrigerator/freezer temperatures are within the appropriate range. Records temperatures on appropriate logs and reports any discrepancies to the Culinary Manager.
• Washes dishes, and other kitchen items according to established procedures for manual and/or automatic dishwashing. Records water temperatures and/or sanitizer on designated logs. Reports any problems with proper water temperature or sanitizer to the Culinary Manager in a timely manner.
• Keeps work area clean and uncluttered during preparation and service of food.
• Performs cleaning assignments according to established policies and utilizes the proper cleaning chemicals.
• Performs duties using proper infection control techniques and using protective equipment as needed.
• Ensures that dishes, and other needed items are readily available for the next meal. Stores dishes, and other kitchen items.. in the proper location in a way to prevent contamination.
• Assists in receiving, storing, and verifying invoices for incoming food, supplies, etc.
• Helps ensure that an adequate supply of food, supplies, etc. is available at all times. Reports inadequate stock levels to the Culinary Manager in a timely manner.
• Uses food supplies and equipment in an efficient and economic manner to prevent waste.
• Maintains the security of the kitchen.
• Performs all duties using proper safety techniques.
• Operates equipment according to manufacturer and supervisory direction. Maintains equipment in clean and safe operating condition. Reports all equipment problems to Culinary Manager promptly.
• Completes tasks according to established time schedules.
• Makes recommendations to the Culinary Manager regarding improvements in recipes, menus, production and service of food, equipment, etc. to enhance the quality of the food service.
• Works cooperatively as a team member with co-workers in all departments of the facility.
• Interacts appropriately and in a positive manner with residents, families, and visitors.
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees