DEPARTMENT: Food Service
REPORTS TO: Food Service Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
The essential functions of the job for a Cook requires:
• Comply with standards of business conduct in accordance with federal, state and local health and
regulatory standards and guidelines, as applicable.
• Must possess, at a minimum, a high school diploma or a GED or at least two (2) years of
experience in the healthcare field and/or related industry.
• Must be able to work well with peers in a congenial work environment, and above all, maintain the
utmost compassion and dignity to the residents and adhere to the Resident Bill of Rights.
• Must be able to work beyond normal working hours; on weekends, as well as holidays, to the
extent necessary. On-call status is a function of the job and employee understands, agrees to,
and acknowledges that schedule flexibility is for the betterment of the residents and that the
Cook will make themselves available, as needed, to ensure proper staffing levels.
• In exigent circumstances, the employee may be subject to call back during emergency conditions
(e.g., severe weather,
evacuation, temporary staffing shortages, etc.).
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Must maintain the highest standards in caring and servicing the needs of the residents and
residents' family members and loved ones.
• Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Responsible for preparing and cooking a wide variety of foods for residents, employees and
visitors.
• He/she prepares food according to recipes and plans cooking schedules to meet mealtime
schedules. In addition, the Cook performs related duties and cleaning duties, as assigned.
• Directs other food service employees in the absence of the Food Service Director and the
Assistant Food Service Director.
• Handles and prepares food in accordance with sanitary regulations;
• Prepares palatable and appetizing meals, as prescribed for the residents by the attending
physician;
• Meets required meal schedules;
• Takes necessary measures to avoid food waste;
• Properly cares for dietary equipment and production sheets;
• Follows menus and special diet instructions;
• Communicates freely with the Food Service Director;
• Cooperates with other food service staff and facility personnel;
• Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and
compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;
• Report any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and or hazardous
chemicals in accordance with facility policy.
• Report work related injuries and illnesses immediately to your supervisor.
• As a condition of employment, complete all assigned training and skills competency.
• Participate in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings.
• Fulfill responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency
plan.
• Assists with evacuation of residents in an emergency situation
• Maintain confidentiality of Protected Health Information, including verbal, written and electronic
communications.
• Report non-compliance with policies, procedures, regulations or breaches in confidentiality to
appropriate personnel.
• Protect residents from abuse, and cooperate with all investigations.
• Report any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or
mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator.
• Report any retaliation or discrimination to the Food Service Director.
• Fulfill individual responsibility to report any suspicion of a crime to law enforcement and the state
agency.
• Performs other duties as requested.
ANNUAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
• Must provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.
•Must follow CMS mandate/guidelines for vaccination
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function
adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a
medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times,
agitated residents
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5
feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations