Dietary Cook

JOB SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of the Dietary Cook position is to prepare food for the residents at the facility.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative Functions

• Review menus prior to food preparation.
• Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident.
• Complete necessary forms, reports, etc. as requested by the Dietary Manager or Dietitian.
• Coordinate food preparation services with other department as necessary.
• Work with the facility's dietitian as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Ensure that all dietary procedures are followed according to facility policies.
• Ensure that menus are maintained and filed according to facility policies and procedures.
• Assist in establishing food service production lines, etc. to assure that meals are prepared on time.
• Process diet changes and new diets as received from Nursing Services.

Dietary Service Functions

• Prepare meals according to planned menus.
• Prepare and serve meals that are tasty and appetizing in appearance.
• Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
• Prepare food for therapeutic diets according to planned menus.
• Prepare food according to standardized recipes and special diet orders.
• Prepare and serve nutritional supplements and snacks.
• Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray.
• Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with food served.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.
• Make only authorized food substitutions.
• Assist in serving meals when necessary.
• Assist in food preparation for special meals, parties, etc.

Personnel Functions

• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with other food service personnel as well as with other department associates so that food services can be properly maintained to meet the resident's needs.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the department.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

• Prepare food according to sanitary regulations as well as facility policy.
• Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel.
• Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions procedures when performing daily tasks.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals to the Dietary Manager.
• Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties.
• Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained in good working order.
• Report all hazardous conditions/equipment to the Dietary Manager immediately.
• Report all accidents/incidents according to facility policy. Complete all necessary reports.
• Maintain food storage areas in a clean and orderly manner at all times.
• Dispose of food and waste according to facility policies.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.
• Report missing/unreadable labels or MSDSs to Dietary Manager.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
• Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc. as necessary.
• Recommend equipment and supply needs to the Dietary Manager.

Resident Rights Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.
• Knock before entering a resident's room.
• Report food/dietary complaints to the Dietary Manager.

Working Conditions

• Works in food preparation area as well as throughout the dietary service areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking.
• May experience temporary exposure to cold temperatures in the refrigerator/freezer.
• May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage areas.
• Moves intermittently during work hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Works on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to callback during emergency conditions.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, plastics, synthetics, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other potential contaminants.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains a liaison with the resident, their families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for the residents' needs.

Staff Development Functions

• Participate in departmental projects as assigned.
• Attend in-service programs and on-the-job training classes as directed.
• Attend annual HazCom, blood borne pathogens, and TB in-service training programs

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Must have one (1) year of experience as a cook or in food preparation.
• Experience in a health care facility is preferred.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.