Dietary Cook

How It All Began

The story of Roman Eagle Memorial Home, previously known as Hilltop, is heartwarming – in part, because it is a success story not only in medical progress, but more important, because it is a story of vision, dedication, and service to our community.

Roman Eagle Memorial Home is a not-for-profit organization with a rich tradition. Our long history of service to the Danville-Pittsylvania County area dates back to 1918.  On January 2, 1918, the State Corporation Commission chartered the Anti-Tuberculosis League of Danville, which served as the founding organization.

Danville was the first city in Virginia to declare war on tuberculosis and establish its own sanatorium, named Hilltop.  The Danville Kiwanis Club supported Hilltop Sanatorium from its organization in the 1920’s.   With advances in medical technology, there was no longer the need to care for tuberculin patients.  Through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, led by President J. Blair Kerns, the Anti-Tuberculosis Sanatorium was converted into a nursing facility, Hilltop Nursing Home in 1956.

The existing facility was inadequate to meet the growing need of the senior citizen population and new construction was needed.  Mrs. H. Smith Richardson, a native Danvillian, assisted in providing funds for this new construction from the Richardson Foundation.  It was at this time that the Roman Eagle Lodge, No. 122, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, accepted sponsorship of the nursing facility.  Their duty was to nominate the forty-five members of the Board of Directors and from this Board the Officers and Executive Committee, who were empowered to oversee the facility.  

In 1961, the original charter was amended to change the name from the Anti-Tuberculosis League of Danville to Roman Eagle Memorial Home, Inc., previously known as Hilltop Nursing Home. Roman Eagle Memorial Home’s original facility was constructed in 1962 in front of the original structures, which were later demolished, and the cornerstone laid on July 28, 1962.

Since its inception, Roman Eagle has undergone four expansions to its present capacity of 312-beds.

About the Role

Prepares and cooks a limited variety of food for residents, employees and visitors.  Assists Lead Cook in preparation and serving of food as directed.  Relieves Lead Cook of duties as assigned.

Prepares and cooks foods such as vegetables, soups, pureed foods and breakfast foods according to recipes and food production sheets.  Plans cooking schedule to have food ready on time. Tests cooked food by taste and smell to determine if properly cooked and seasoned.  Dishes up servings according to menu combinations or resident’s diet order.   Sets up steam tables and assists in replenishing them.

Performs a variety of other duties such as cleaning work tables, stoves and tilt skillet; washes and cleans pots and pans and other equipment.  Maintains work areas and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.   Cleans immediately any floor area where a liquid or other slippery substance has been spilled.  Reports any faulty or damaged equipment to supervisor.  Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

Must be able to read and write at a basic level and follow oral and written instructions.

You must have cooking experience in a commercial kitchen.

Must be able to complete job tasks on a timely basis and comprehend written information efficiently. Position requires performing variety of duties including preparing food items and beverages and general cleaning.  2 years related experience required. Must be able to work well with others in a Team environment.

Good attendance and work record required.