Cook for Senior Living Community

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary :

This position is responsible for preparing food according to menus and recipes approved by the Chef and in accordance with current Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines and regulations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The following duties are normal for this position.  This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Assist in planning menus. 
• Prepare food following planned menus and standardized recipes and in compliance with all applicable food preparation regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of quality food production, nutrition, and portion control.  Prepare sufficient quantity of food to meet requirements, ensure served at proper temperature, and maintain an attractive appearance and appealing taste.  
• Maintain proper sanitation and safety in food preparation areas.
• Assist in cleaning of cooking area and other kitchen equipment and facilities.
• Consult with Supervisor on issues of menu planning, care planning, food preparation, therapeutic diets, etc.
• Supervise the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Perform other duties as assigned and as outlined in Procedure and Policy manual and disaster and fire plan.
• Dependable and able to meet schedule requirements (attendance and punctuality).
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

The position falls under the supervision of the Department Director but is expected to perform independently and exercise good judgment. The position is not required to supervise or direct the work of other associates.

Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. 

Educational Requirements and Experience :

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• At least 1 year of related work experience required, preferably in restaurant or food service environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Ability to read and write, follow written and oral instructions, and communicate effectively in English.  Ability to work with the elderly in a courteous and friendly manner, demonstrating patience and compassion.  Ability to perform duties with consideration for residents’ rights at all times and demonstrate integrity and discretion in the care of residents and in handling their health information.

Technical Skills :

Knowledge of the principles of high-end institutional food service, including food planning, preparation, cooking, and storage; dietetics; sanitation.

Physical/Sensory :

On a daily basis, throughout the workday: Must be capable of sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, turning, bending, stooping, crouching and kneeling, reaching over the head, grasping with both hands, and fine manipulation.  Must physically be able to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted on a regular basis.  Must physically be able to carry, transfer, push and pull, and reposition residents with assistance or using appropriate equipment.  Must have normal eyesight or use corrective lenses.  Must have three-dimensional vision and ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are.  Must be able to recognize colors.  Must be able to hear and distinguish between normal tones and be able to perceive the nature of sounds.  Must be able to exchange ideas by means of the spoken word as well as engage in activities to convey detailed or spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and/or quickly.  Must have normal sense of touch and smell.

Environmental Adaptability :

Works in well-lighted, well ventilated building.  Must be able to tolerate occasional exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, odors, water, etc., as well as some noise.  When outside, must be able to tolerate exposure to weather, fluctuations in temperature (hot, cold), wet and/or humid conditions.  Subject to frequent interruptions.  Subject to hostile or emotionally upset individuals.  Must be willing to work, when necessary, beyond normal working hours and on weekends, as well as in other positions as necessary. The position requires exposure to some risk to physical and/or mental health and safety (i.e., physical assault, communicable disease, etc).

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the position.  While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the Company. You may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek.  

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective associates and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.