About this role
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, high-quality meals for residents, patients, or customers in a healthcare, long-term care, or restaurant setting. This role requires adherence to dietary restrictions, safe food handling practices, and a commitment to creating a pleasant dining experience. The Cook works closely with the dietary team to ensure that meals are prepared on time, meet nutritional guidelines, and accommodate individual preferences and needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meal Preparation:
Prepare and cook meals according to established menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines.
- Ensure food is prepared and presented in an appealing and appetizing manner, with attention to portion control and individual dietary needs.
- Follow special dietary requirements for residents or customers with specific health conditions, including low-sodium, diabetic, gluten-free, and other restricted diets.
- Food Safety and Sanitation:
Ensure that all food is prepared in accordance with health and safety regulations, maintaining proper temperatures and safe food handling practices.
- Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, and utensils before, during, and after meal preparation.
- Store food properly, following guidelines for labeling, dating, and rotating inventory to prevent spoilage.
- Adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding food handling, storage, and kitchen sanitation.
- Kitchen Operations:
Assist in ordering and maintaining inventory of kitchen supplies and ingredients, ensuring an adequate supply of fresh, high-quality food items.
- Collaborate with the dietary manager or head chef to plan menus and suggest new recipes or meal ideas.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment, ensuring all equipment is in good working condition.
- Team Collaboration:
Work closely with kitchen staff, dietary aides, and other team members to ensure meals are served on time and meet the quality standards.
- Communicate effectively with the dietary team about meal preparation, food allergies, and specific resident or customer needs.
- Assist with training and mentoring new kitchen staff as needed.
- Customer Service:
Interact professionally and courteously with residents, patients, or customers, responding to their preferences and feedback.
- Address any concerns or requests related to meals or food service, ensuring a positive dining experience.
Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Formal culinary training or certification is preferred but not required.
- Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of cooking experience in a healthcare, long-term care, restaurant, or food service setting is preferred.
- Skills:
Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, portion control, and kitchen safety practices.
- Ability to follow recipes, adjust for dietary needs, and present food attractively.
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
People-Centered Rewards:
- Health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401k with company match
- Early Pay via Tapcheck!
- Employee Perks & Discount program
- PTO + Company Holidays + Floating Holidays
- Referral Bonus Program
- Mentorship Programs
- Internal/Upskilling Growth Opportunities
- Continued Education Loan Repayment Program powered by Clasp