COOK

Dietary Department Assistant

The primary function of this position is to assist the Food Service Director in planning, organizing, developing and directing the comprehensive operation of the dietary department. Following current local, state and federal guidelines and regulations, as well as established policies and procedures and assures quality food service is provided at all times. All responsibilities will be conducted in a manner that exhibits the BHCS mission, vision, and core values.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepares and portions various food items with the highest of quality.
• Wraps, labels and dates prepared food items for storage.
• Receives, stores and rotates supplies as delivered.
• Prepares meals in accordance with planned menus.
• Checks food storage areas on a daily basis to ensure proper food rotation.
• Must use and clean cooking and food preparation equipment.
• Orient, motivate, supervise and evaluate employees of production and kitchen component according to established standards and procedures to assure an efficient, effective department.
• Responsible for general and assigned sanitation duties in the kitchen and dining areas in conformance with sanitary, health and safety regulations.
• Maintains a rapport with other departments to assure that food service can be maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident information.
• Reports exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious material and hazardous chemicals to the Director of Food & Nutrition Services.
• Prepares food in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as our established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a courteous and responsible attitude toward staff, resident and visit.
• Must be able to work effectively with other staff members to produce a cohesive supportive work environment providing for smooth functioning of the community.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with little supervision.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English effectively and communicate written and verbally.
• Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with safety and infection control policies and procedures.
• All responsibilities will be conducted in a manner that exhibits the BHCS mission, vision, and core values.

Qualifications: High School Diploma preferred. Previous experience with food preparation in a long-term care setting preferred. Serve safe and allergen training required.

Work Environment: While performing duties of this job the employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of resident conditions and elements. The noise level is moderate. Must be able to detect environmental odors, tolerate cold, heat, and will have frequent contact with water. Moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other department supervisors. Works beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.). Attends and participates in continuing educational programs. Is subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, etc., throughout the work day, and to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for dietary services/activities. May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Physical and sensory requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to communicate and listen. This position requires standing, walking, twisting and bending.

Other Duties: Demonstrated ability to read, write and speak English. Must be able to effectively interact with facility residents in a professional, respectful and positive manner with appropriate awareness of and consideration for their specific clinical level of function. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility.