Cook - Dietary Aide HCC

Job Title

Dietary Aide / Cook

The Dietary Aide assists with food preparation in accordance with established procedural guidelines and as directed by the Food Service/Dietary Manager/Supervisor. The Cook prepares palatable, nutritionally sound meals consistent with departmental policies and procedures, and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that meet daily nutritional and special diet needs of each resident. The role ensures foods are prepared and served at proper temperature and time, allocating resources efficiently so that each resident receives appropriate food to maintain acceptable body weight, nutritional values, and quality of life.

• Assist cook in the preparation of meals, salads, desserts, snacks or other dishes for patients/residents, and prepare between‑meal nourishments (make sandwiches, etc.)
• Follow diet orders and NPO diet orders
• Serve nourishments in accordance with procedural guidelines
• Properly store leftovers / opened food
• Follow procedures for serving partner meals
• Offer menu substitutions and record them in accordance with procedural guidelines
• Comply with infection control policies in the work area
• Deliver trays to patients/residents in halls and in dining area
• Assist with the serving / pouring of juice, milk, water, and tea; make coffee / tea as requested
• Clean all tables in the dining area after each meal
• Clean work area at the end of shift and after meals, including sweeping, mopping and storing all cleaning equipment appropriately
• Clean kitchen equipment such as carts, tables, counters, ice machine, buckets, blender, mixer, meat slicer, freezer, refrigerator, stove, steamer, garbage disposal, dish machine, coffee/tea maker, steam table, etc.
• Remove garbage from kitchen areas and hose out garbage containers
• Scrape dishes, wash dishes, pots and pans and store properly
• Record freezer and walk‑in refrigerator temperatures in accordance with established procedures
• Maintain dishwasher and dish sink; check and record water temperature; check dishwasher with sanitizer strips; check chemical levels and replace if needed
• Maintain supply stock and properly store items according to established procedures
• Set up tray line and perform tray line service
• Operate the dish machine, garbage disposal, mixer, blender, meat slicer, steamer, coffee and tea maker
• Use, clean and maintain serving equipment (ladle, spoon, scoops, etc.) according to established procedures
• Have working knowledge of food handling, preparation and storage techniques that comply with state and federal laws and regulations; apply regulations to work situations of cook and to supervision of staff assistants
• Follow recipes and prepare foods that correspond to menu cycles prepared by the Dietitian; cook or prepare palatable, attractive, nutritionally adequate meals in institutional quantities that are served at proper times
• Assist with supervision of kitchen staff that assist with food preparation, assembling trays, cleaning and storage of supplies and equipment; continuously clean food service work areas as food preparation and service is done; use food supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste
• Prepare and maintain supply of food substitutes to accommodate resident choices, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences; inspect trays following meal service to monitor and record resident acceptance of menu items; report findings to Dietary Manager
• Use food preparation equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions; follow proper cleaning techniques and preventative maintenance schedules; handle, store, dispose of food supplies and prepared food in accord with department procedures and in compliance with state and federal regulations

• Participate in center/agency surveys (Licensure / JCAHO) and any subsequently required reports
• Attend and participate in continuing educational programs to keep abreast of changes in the field and maintain current license/certification as required
• Attend and participate in mandatory in‑services
• Honor patients/residents’ rights to fair and equitable treatment, self‑determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil…