Cook

Cook

The Cook assists the Chef in preparing food in accordance with the approved menu, current standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Reporting to work on time every day as scheduled and ready to carry out duties.
• Reacting to changes in schedules in a productive manner.
• Identifying and reporting safety hazards immediately.
• Preparing and serving meals at 8 am, noon, and 5 pm (times subject to change).
• Following written menus and making menu suggestions using all food groups.
• Properly storing and labeling leftovers.
• Knowing state and local food service regulations including:
• Keeping thermometers in place and following state regulations regarding temperature.
• Dating and labeling food products out of original wrapping.
• Following all state required rules regarding preparation, storage, serving, and planning of all foods.
• Knowing proper cleaning procedures.
• Making mealtimes enjoyable by being attentive to the needs of the residents and treating them with kindness.
• Eliminating food waste.
• Checking food and supply inventories weekly and submitting lists in a timely manner.
• Knowing residents' food likes and dislikes to avoid serving meals not preferred.
• Daily cleaning of the kitchen, dining room, and pantry.
• Prioritizing portion control and cost to eliminate waste.
• Working with various products such as cleaners.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned by management or as the situation requires.

Physical/sensory requirements include:

• Standing and walking short distances most of the working day.
• Stoops, reaches, and lifts kitchen equipment and supplies.
• Handles and manipulates equipment in supervising, demonstrating, and assisting food preparation and serving.
• Tasting and smelling food to determine its quality and palatability.
• Relating to and working with ill, disabled elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.
• Lifting, pulling, and moving equipment, supplies, etc. more than 50 lbs.
• Assisting in the evacuation of residents.
• Functioning independently, having flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents and staff.

Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

Qualifications include:

• Compassion and a desire to meet the nutritional needs of the frail elderly.
• General knowledge of basic food groups.
• Ability to read and follow recipes.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and hygienic methods.
• Ability to cook a variety of foods.
• Familiarity with cooking times and seasonings.
• Knowledge of low sodium, low cholesterol, and ADA diets.
• Desire to service food that is palatable and pleasing in appearance.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, residents, and families.
• Ability to function in an independent work environment.
• Ability to handle complaints graciously and take correction maturely.
• Honesty and trustworthiness.
• Possession of a food handlers' certificate or ability to acquire within the first two weeks of employment.

Equipment used includes but is not limited to: Oven, Cook Top, Convection Oven, Dishwashers, Cooking Utensils.

The Cook reports directly to the Executive Director.

Enriched Senior Living is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.