Cook

Community Name: Four Winds Community

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nourishing and attractive meals and other foods to residents as required to support the menu specific diet orders and other community events.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Reviews food menus and work orders to determine type and quantities of food to be prepared for all of the facility's dining rooms
• Acquires all necessary items for upcoming food cycles
• Prepares meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes in a sanitary manner to ensure the utmost in quality and minimize waste
• Reviews menus to identify all foods required for therapeutic diets (i.e., soft, pureed, etc) before preparing food
• Uses nutritionally equivalent substitutes when required
• Operates a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment, such as blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers and tenderizers
• Maintains Dining Services department according to established rules and regulations of sanitation
• Directs and assists in performing daily and scheduled cleaning duties
• Stores food in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements, food spoilage and sanitation
• Meets meal schedules
• Serves meals according to portion control
• Checks meal trays for accuracy before they leave the kitchen area
• Records menu changes
• Manages the schedule for other cooks, diet technicians and dining services assistants
• Reports observations concerning structural, equipment and furniture defects and malfunctioning to appropriate personnel
• Maintains confidentiality of necessary information
• Utilizes supplies and equipment properly and without waste
• Handles unusual occurrences calmly and logically to maintain continuity of business and duties
• Follows all appropriate safety and security guidelines, procedures and protocol for residents in the unit
• Participates in relevant educational and training activities as appropriate
• Performs all other duties as assigned or directed

Competency Statement(s)

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.

Skills & Abilities

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): Required
• Experience: Two (2) to four (4) years as cook in a large-scale (100+ individuals) cooking operation preferred
• Computer Skills: Ability to learn basic computer applications
• Certifications & Licenses: Must obtain and maintain mandatory, state and federal requirements and certifications for practice or occupation; Must complete ServeSafe training regarding how to manage food preparation and storage to minimize food borne illnesses
• Other Requirements: Must be able to read, write, understand and speak the English language; Must be able to operate the following equipment: oven, stove, deep fryer, tilt skillet (grill), steamer, slicer; Special care or dementia care employees will have additional training in the care and treatment of dementia; Must be able to work with Dietary Staff, residents, families, and other community staff; Must be able to adhere to all terms and conditions set forth in the United Church Homes Employee Handbook