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Position: Dietary Cook
Department: Dietary
Reports To: Dietary Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General PurposeĀ
The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals that meet planned menus, dietary restrictions, and food safety standards. This role ensures that meals are nutritious, well-balanced, and delivered on time, supporting the health, safety, and satisfaction of residents in a long-term care environment. The cook collaborates with dietary staff and nursing personnel to accommodate therapeutic diets and individual resident preferences.
Responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Cooking
- Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes and planned menus.
- Follow therapeutic diet guidelines and physician-ordered modifications, such as diabetic, low sodium, pureed, or mechanical soft diets.
- Ensure all food is cooked to proper temperatures and handled safely throughout preparation, cooking, and service.
- Assist in receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies.
Food Service & Quality
- Serve meals in an appealing and timely manner.
- Monitor resident satisfaction with meals and report concerns or dietary issues to the Dietary Director or nursing staff.
- Collaborate with dietary aides and other staff to ensure smooth meal service.
Food Safety & Sanitation
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and work environment.
- Label, date, and store food properly to prevent spoilage or contamination.
- Follow HACCP, ServSafe, and infection control standards at all times.
Inventory & Communication
- Monitor food inventory and notify the supervisor of shortages or supply needs.
- Communicate any resident concerns, changes in appetite, or dietary issues promptly.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- ServSafe or Food Handler certification, or ability to obtain.
- Prior cooking experience in healthcare, hospital, or institutional settings preferred.
- Knowledge of modified diets and food safety practices.
- Ability to read and follow recipes and diet instructions accurately.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Dependable, compassionate, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ā
- Must be able to stand, bend, and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, carry, or move items up to 40 pounds.
- Exposure to hot surfaces, steam, and kitchen equipment.
- Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evening shifts.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Fast-paced kitchen environment within a nursing home, supporting meal preparation and service for residents with specialized dietary needsĀ
- Frequent interaction with residents, nursing staff, and kitchen team in a collaborative, patient-centered settingĀ
- Exposure to food preparation areas, including heat, steam, and kitchen equipment (ovens, dishwashers, etc.)Ā
- Strict adherence to sanitation, food safety, and health regulations at all timesĀ
- Work may involve standing for extended periods and moving between kitchen, dining, and patient care areas
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts managementās right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
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