Cook - Healthcare Setting

Cook - Healthcare Setting

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Cook to join our team at Avamere Rehab of Shoreline, a skilled nursing facility committed to providing high-quality care and nutritious meals to our residents. The ideal candidate will have experience in preparing meals for large groups, with a strong preference for those who have worked in a healthcare setting. The primary responsibility of this position is to prepare food to assure that quality food service is provided at all times.

We strongly prefer individuals that have a background in cooking within a healthcare system and/or Skilled Nursing Facility.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities:

• Review menus before preparation of food and follow recipes during food preparation.
• Manage purchased food and dietary supplies in an efficient and effective way to control food use and prevent waste.
• Maintain a strict portion control of foods served. Prepare food and serve trays as attractively as possible. Confirm proper temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded in accordance with state and federal health regulations.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure they are correct.
• Maintain and improve standards of food storage, preparation, and services. Assist the supervisor as needed in the receiving and storing of food and supplies. Assist in checking food supplies on food order forms as they arrive from vendors.
• Maintain orderly and correct storage of food items; dry, freezer, and refrigerator storage. Check out food and supplies as needed by dietary aides. Assist in taking physical inventories in the culinary department.
• Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc., to ensure that meals are prepared on time.
• In conjunction with the Culinary Services Manager, orient and coach employees engaged in preparing and serving meals in maintaining high standards of sanitation, housekeeping, and safety, and safe operation and care of equipment in accordance with facility, state, and federal regulations and policies.
• In the absence of the Culinary Services Manager, confirm the Department runs in a smooth and efficient manner: supervise dietary personnel with work performed, including coordination of activities, instruction of equipment maintenance, planning, placing, and filing food orders.
• Report on all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Culinary Services Manager immediately.
• Report all accidents/incidents as established by department policies.
• Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
• Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
• Other duties assigned appropriate to the position.

Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions in English and pay close attention to details in order to read and calculate recipes and production sheets, and to pay constant attention to cooking and the timing of foods.
• Requires a current Food Handlers card issued by local Health Department.
• Must possess an active CPR/BLS Certification and always maintain certification during employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of high standards of food preparation, sanitation, hygienic methods of food preparation and storage, and safety with formal on-the-job training, and approximately one year of experience in quantity food preparation in order to have the necessary technical skills to maintain high standards of food preparation.
• Previous experience preparing food in an institutional setting is preferred.
• Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in setting up meals and utilizing leftovers.
• Demonstrates competency in operating kitchen equipment.
• Interpersonal skills are necessary to establish effective relationships with department workers, supervisors, and with other departments.
• Be knowledgeable of dietary practices and procedures, as well as related laws, regulations, and pertaining to nursing home operations.

At Avamere, we believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible.
• 401 (k) Plan: After 90 days of employment, with matching program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrue up to 4 weeks PTO per year, 6 holidays and accrued sick leave.
• EAP Canopy with unlimited telehealth mental health visits.
• Continuing Education and Higher Education Reimbursement.
• Generous employee referral bonus program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts & CERA: Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and development within the company.
• Voluntary Benefits: Life insurance, disability coverage, supplemental hospital, accident and critical illness coverage, Legal Services, Pet Insurance, discount programs and more.

Avamere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.