Food Prep Worker

Job Overview: The Cook Chill Technician prepares and serves meals for patients, guests, and staff. Responsibilities include preparing food and beverages according to dietary recipes and residents' special dietary or nutrition restrictions; sanitizing kitchen area and equipment; and ensuring patient employees use proper cleaning and sanitation practices. 

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Work for the state you Love to Live in.  Your paycheck is just part of a total compensation package.  Eligible employees have access to competitive, innovative benefits packages at an affordable cost.  All beginning on your first day of employment.  Highlights of our innovative benefit package include:

• Access to No Cost health centers
• Low-cost Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer
• 15 Vacation days each year
• 12 Sick days each year
• 10 Paid Holidays each year
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program*
• Student Loan Repayment program*
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• One free meal per shift

*Subject to availability 

Essential Duties or Responsibilities:  

1. Meal Preparation (45%)

• Prepares food and beverages according to dietary recipes and residents' special dietary or nutrition restrictions.
• Monitors daily populations and orders appropriate food quantity.
• Verifies proper substitution of ingredients when unexpected shortages or menu changes occur.
• Utilizes computerized cook/chill equipment to prepare food at correct temperatures.
• Adheres to sanitary food handling and proper storage requirements.
• Inspects food inventory, dates of expiration, and rotates food to minimize waste.
• Ensures meals service is on schedule and tray lines run efficiently without shortages.

1. Maintenance & Safety (45%)

• Sanitizes Food Preparation areas such as cutting boards, serving equipment and work surfaces.
• Dissembles and reassembles cook/chill equipment for proper cleaning.
• Washes and sanitizes dishware and utensils, and other cookware.
• Cleans kitchen, dining room tables and chairs; discards all waste materials and trash.
• Prepares nutrition labels and supplemental nourishments for patients.
• Secures knives in locked cabinets and keeps the dietary department locked.
• Reports unusual patient behavior to nursing staff.

1.  Lead Worker (5%)

• Oversees all kitchen staff and meal preparation as necessary.
• Ensures patient employees use proper cleaning and sanitation practices.
• Documents safe food temperature and rotation of inventory.

1. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Maintains the canteen/coffee shop, operates the cash register and waits on customers.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand for prolonged time and push and pull heavy carts. Potential hazardous equipment, chemical use, temperature extremes, loud equipment noise, dust, and fumes.
• Must be able to work with direct care staff and assist with de-escalation of patients.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(required for first day of work)

• Knowledge of state and federal food regulations.
• Knowledge of hand washing and infection control.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and cook/chill production equipment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Skill in organization, prioritization, and time management.
• Ability to read, comprehends, and follow standardized recipes.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year experience in Food Preparation preferred.
• Preparation of modified diets preferred.

Candidates will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualifications listed above and on the extent to which the application materials show the candidate possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position.  The selection process may consist of review of application materials (application, resume, cover letter...), physical assessment, job skill test, interview(s), background check and reference checks.  Candidates whose application and supporting documentation (cover letter, resume) does not clearly indicate all minimum qualifications are met will not be considered.