Assisted Living Cook

Description EAGLE MOUNTAIN ASSISTED LIVING Job Title COOK Department Report To FLSA Status Last Modified Assisted Living Food Service Director Non-Exempt 4/7/2024

FUNCTION:

This position is part of the Eagle Mountain Assisted Living Operations Team responsible for the creation of resident-focused, high performance, high-commitment work teams that support the philosophy of “Caring for the Whole Person.” The Cook is responsible for delivering nutritional food and beverages with quality service while managing costs and meeting state health/regulatory standards. Responsibilities include preparing and serving attractive, nutritious meals in accordance with state regulation and Eagle Mountain Assisted Living policies and procedures to ensure that quality food service is provided at all times. QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Minimum Qualifications: Must demonstrate competency in the following areas: The successful candidate must hold a high school diploma or GED. Have experience in food preparation in a service environment Experience in senior resident services, preferred Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent organization and interpersonal skills Demonstrate support and understanding of the community’s philosophy of the five domains of health (physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social) Read, write, speak and understand the English language. Freedom from illegal use of drugs Freedom from use and effects of use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating individuals in a health care related setting are ineligible for employment in this position. Must pass State Criminal background check. Demonstrates effective time management skills. As required by state law, a valid driver’s license and proof of insurability required Must enjoy working with the seniors and able to accept constructive criticism. Ability to interact with residents who are highly susceptible to common illness without posing additional health risks. Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks/responsibilities and complete duties/projects within the time allotted. Ability to define and solve problems, including the ability to collect and interpret data from a variety of sources. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Must be able to express yourself adequately in writing or orally with residents, family members, staff, visitors and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with the Food Service Director and entire EMAL team to build relationships and strong communication with residents and families to aid in their adjustment to EMAL, assist with special dietary needs and problems and implement appropriate dietary plan. Responsible for the preparation and cooking of balanced, nutritious meals for all residents, staff, family members, visitors and guests, including those served at special events. Check menu daily for any required advanced preparation Responsible for portion control, following the menus, and for plate presentation for each meal. Experience and/or knowledge of special diets, meal preparation for large groups and safe food handling techniques are required. Ability to read and understand recipes, work in a team environment, work flexible shifts, handle multiple tasks at one time and communicate effectively. Assist in serving meals and tray preparation for residents as required. Washes and inspects all dishware and glassware. Stores clean utensils, dishes, glassware and flatware in proper places in a way to prevent contamination. Keeps dishwashing machine and dish room in clean operating condition. Promptly reports any malfunctions or breakdowns of equipment to Food Service Director. Delivers ice to dining room. May assist Resident Assistant with serving and bringing dishes to the kitchen, when necessary. May deliver meals to residents in their apartments, when necessary. Ensure that dishes are readily available for the next meal. Participate in food and equipment cleaning and inventory as assigned. Assist in removing dishes and carts from the dining room. Clean dining room, tables, chairs, floors, etc. Refill condiments on tables and restock beverage and snack bar Reset dining tables as required. Clean food preparation areas, including utensils used and equipment, wash dishes, take out trash, and mop floors. Responsible for the daily cleaning and weekly deep cleaning of the kitchen, dish room, pantry, walk-ins and dining room. Carry out special duties or projects as assigned. Ensure that all electrical and gas appliances are turned off before leaving kitchen areas and at end of a shift. Adhere to departmental dress code and good hygiene and safety practices Responsible for locking and securing the kitchen area before leaving that area at the end of the day. Take part in initial and on going training for all Food Service staff. Assure compliance with local, state and federal health regulations. Maintain proper Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) documentation and update MSDS book as needed. Plan and carry out special duties or projects as needed. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

Demonstrate active listening techniques, gain support through effective relationships, treat others with dignity and respect and seeks feedback. Must demonstrate patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm. Attend all in-service training set by the Community. Must be able to speak clearly and distinctly. Must be able to be understood to the extent practcable by a wide variety of individuals some who may have various levels of cognitive impairments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is classified as HEAVY, requiring exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift/move objects. Constant standing and walking, frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, turning and stretching. Visual and hearing acuity essential. Ability to remain calm under stress. Able to carry out essential functions of this job (with or without reasonable accommodations) without posting specific, current risk of substantial harm to health and safety of self and others. Ability to perform basic mathematical computations required.

JOB DESCRIPTION REVIEW:

I have carefully read, understand and accept this job description, including the qualifications and requirements of the position and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned. I understand Universal Precautions Risk Classification Categories may apply to this position and I may be exposed to AIDS, HIV and hepatitis B viruses. I certify that I am mentally and physically able to perform the essential functions of the position without any restrictions. I further understand my employment at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living is an “at will” nature, which means that I may resign at any time and may be discharged at anytime with or without cause. Employee’s Signature Date Supervisor’s Signature Date cc: Personnel File Employee #J-18808-Ljbffr White River Area Agency on Aging Inc