Job Summary:

The Culinary Associate is responsible for working in every aspect of the guest service experience. This position helps prepare the food for the residents and assists any residents who need help eating their meals, and also assists in delivering food to the table when it’s ready, and makes sure that residents have a quality dining experience through the whole process. Prior Assisted Living or Memory Care experience preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet and seat residents and guests.
• Always be ready to assist residents in sitting and in rising from the table.
• Serve food in an efficient and professional manner.
• Label and date all food.
• Keep the dining and service areas clean and sanitary.
• Approach and interact with residents, guests and associates in a friendly, service-oriented and professional manner.
• Take food and beverage orders and serve meals as they are ordered.
• Have a good knowledge of the presentation of food being served and ingredients in all menu items.
• Clear tables of glasses, silverware, dishes, etc. when residents and guests have finished a course or their meal according to Company protocol.
• Deliver and retrieve trays to and from residents’ apartments as needed.
• Assist other associates as needed.
• Maintain a clean dining room, chairs, windows, floors and all work areas.
• Assist with washing of dishes as needed.
• Sweep carpets/floors between seating’s or when needed and vacuum daily.
• Attend and participate in all meetings and training as directed by Company policy and the Dining Services Director (DSD).
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing the proper uniform and name tag when on duty.
• Be constantly watchful of signs that residents are not able to function independently or a change in resident’s behavior. Report all signs to the DSD following the Company policies and procedures.
• Report any and all deferred maintenance, vandalism or hazardous situations to the DSD as discovered and take appropriate action as necessary.
• Ensure understanding of and compliance with all regulations regarding residents’ rights.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident, associate, Community and Company information deemed as such.
• Maintain a clean and safe resident environment.
• Follows proper procedure for clocking in and out for shifts.
• Follows guidelines for uniforms and wears name badge daily.
• Follows policy on signing equipment in and out, and uses Company assigned equipment properly as intended.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Must pay attention to detail, be flexible/adaptable, have safety awareness, and be a team player.
• Must possess good communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Must possess, or be willing to obtain, a current food handler permit and certification of Hepatitis A vaccinations where required.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent OR three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Food serving experience preferred in the Assisted Living and Memory Care setting.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
• Able to stand or walk 75% of the day.
• Able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing, and grasping.
• Subject to reactions from dust, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals and may be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, and other conditions.
• Use personal protective equipment and supplies when needed.
• Subject to infectious diseases, substances, and odors.