Work Unit Overview: The Dietary Aide/ Cook prepares palatable, nutritionally sound meals consistent with departmental policies and procedures and consistent with state and federal laws and regulations that meet daily nutritional and special dietary needs of each resident. Responsible to ensure that foods are prepared and served at the proper temperature and the proper time.

Job Summary: Responsible to ensure that foods are prepared and served at the proper temperature and the proper time. Works with supervisor to allocate resources in an efficient and economic manner so that each resident receives food in the amount, type, consistency and frequency to maintain acceptable body weight, nutritional values, and quality of life.

• Follows recipes and prepares foods that correspond to menu cycles prepared by Dietitian.

• Cooks or prepares palatable, attractive, nutritionally adequate meals in institutional quantities that are served at proper temperatures and at proper times,
• Supervises kitchen staff who assist with food preparation, assembling trays, cleaning and storage of supplies and equipment.
• Continuously cleans food service work areas as food preparation and service is done.
• Uses food supplies and equipment in an efficient and economic manner to prevent waste.
• Prepares and maintains supply of food substitutes to accommodate resident choices, cultural ethnic and religious preferences.
• Inspects trays following meal service to monitor and record resident acceptance of menu items. Reports findings to Supervisor.
• Uses food preparation equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Follows proper cleaning techniques and preventative maintenance schedules.
• Handles, stores, disposes of food supplies and prepared food in accord with department procedures and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Follows facility policies and procedures for infection control at all times to maintain a sanitary food preparation and storage area. Uses personal protective equipment when indicated. Follows facility procedures for resident trays that require special handling.
• Inspects food service work areas for evidence of rodents or pests, safety or fire hazards, housekeeping and maintenance problems. Corrects problems and/or reports problems promptly to Dietary Supervisor.
• Communicates with Dietary Supervisor throughout shift as needed to best meet needs of residents.
• Assist Department Head with preparation for state inspections. Attends survey training. Interacts with state surveyors as instructed by supervisor.
• Attends in-service education as assigned. Applies information to job tasks.
• Reports injury to self or others to supervisor, immediately.

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Sufficient education to demonstrate functional literacy.

The job requires freedom from illegal use of drugs and freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals in a health care setting are ineligible for employment in this position.

Must pass a background check.

• Working knowledge of food handling, preparation and storage techniques that comply with state and federal laws and regulations. Ability to apply regulations to work situations of cook and to supervision of staff assistants.

• Appreciation of the importance of food preparation in enhancing quality of life for residents.
• Carries out all duties in accord with the facility mission and philosophy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions.
• Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information.
• Demonstrates honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property.
• Able to understand and to follow written and verbal directions including menus, substitution list and labels. Able effectively to communicate with staff members and residents through verbal and/or written means.
• Knowledge of emergency and disaster procedures of facility. Able to locate nearest exit, to understand and respond to written or oral instruction in case of emergency.
• Sufficient mobility, and strength to move freely through the building, to assure resident safety at all times and to assist, transfer or otherwise move residents of facility out of danger in case of emergency.
• Demonstrates respect for co-workers and responds to needs of residents by complying with facility policies on attendance and punctuality and dress code. Able to arrive and to begin work on time and to report for duty as scheduled on all shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Working knowledge and ability to comply with facility policies and procedures for workplace safety including infection control procedures, application of universal precautions for blood borne pathogens, use of personal protective equipment and handling of ha7.ardous materials.
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks/responsibilities and complete duties/projects within allotted time.
• Able to respond to change productively and to handle additional tasks/projects as assigned.
• Able to carry out the essential functions of th.is job (with or without reasonable accommodation) without posing specific, current risk of substantial harm to health and safety of self and others.