Cook

CookThe 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 include reviewing food menus and work orders to determine type and quantities of food to be prepared for all of the facility's dining rooms, acquiring all necessary items for upcoming food cycles, preparing meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes in a sanitary manner to ensure the utmost in quality and minimize waste, reviewing menus to identify all foods required for therapeutic diets (i.e., soft, pureed, etc) before preparing food, using nutritionally equivalent substitutes when required, operating a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment, maintaining dining services department according to established rules and regulations of sanitation, directing and assisting in performing daily and scheduled cleaning duties, storing food in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements, food spoilage and sanitation, meeting meal schedules, serving meals according to portion control, checking meal trays for accuracy before they leave the kitchen area, recording menu changes, managing the schedule for other cooks, diet technicians and dining services assistants, reporting observations concerning structural, equipment and furniture defects and malfunctioning to appropriate personnel, maintaining confidentiality of necessary information, utilizing supplies and equipment properly and without waste, handling unusual occurrences calmly and logically to maintain continuity of business and duties, following all appropriate safety and security guidelines, procedures and protocol for residents in the unit, participating in relevant educational and training activities as appropriate, and performing all other duties as assigned or directed.Competency statements include accountability, communication, oral and written, customer oriented, honesty/integrity.Education: High school graduate or general education degree (GED) required. Experience: Two to four 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.