Dietary Aide​/Cook

Dietary Aide/Cook (Food Services)

At Walter Lawson Children’s Home located in Loves Park, Illinois, we provide compassionate care to residents with severe and profound intellectual disabilities through our residential nursing care program, adult day training program, and approved non‑public school. We are looking for a Part‑Time Dietary Aide/Cook (24 hours a week) who will make a difference in the lives of our residents.

Assists with the provision of safe, healthy, and appetizing food services to meet the needs and preferences of each resident.

Assists with preparation and provision of food and snacks to resident(s) per diet cards and/or other documented individualized plan for resident(s). Related responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: preparing supplies/materials for tray line; assembling, loading and delivering diet trays per diet cards and/or other documented plan tailored to resident(s); providing set‑up assistance for resident(s); reporting refusal(s) of food to supervisor and nursing;

serving food substitutes; and retrieving and reloading trays on cart at end of meal service.

Observes proper safety practices. This includes but is not limited to: operating institutional food preparation equipment according to equipment instructions; using personal protective equipment as necessary; safely and properly handling, unloading, stocking and storing food; safely using and storing chemicals; and following infection control procedures. Timely corrects and/or reports equipment problems, safety and fire hazards, environmental services and maintenance issues.

Cooks and prepares food in a sanitary manner. This includes but is not limited to: preparing palatable, attractive, nutritional meals in institutional quantities, serving at proper time and temperature, and adhering to recipes and menu cycles.

Maintains clean, safe and hygienic food service workspace. This includes but is not limited to: regularly cleaning equipment trays, dishes, trash, and other items; and regularly inspecting for and reporting evidence of pests; timely and properly reports injuries and/or incidents, equipment and/or maintenance problems; complying with OSHA mandates and workplace safety practices, including but not limited to hazard communication, blood‑borne pathogens, infection control practices, fire safety and proper lifting techniques.

In an emergency, carries out assigned duties to assure employee and resident safety.

As directed, assists with quality assessment and assurance functions.

Maintains proper documentation. This may include but is not limited to: documentation of nutritional screening, food preferences, food acceptance, addition of food/fluid‑related interventions to plans of care, documenting other matters related to food services.

As directed, assists with survey processes.

Maintains and applies current skills and knowledge through continuing education and in‑service programs.

Carries out responsibilities in compliance with federal, state, local laws, regulations, and with facility philosophy, policies and procedures.

Must be able to speak, understand and read the English language to the extent necessary to safely and properly care for residents.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

As directed, assists with the development and update of food service policies and procedures to reflect the philosophy of the facility, professional standards, and legal requirements.

This position requires standing, sitting, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting over 75 pounds, bending, climbing, twisting upper body, walking, running, carrying, listening, talking, use of telephone, and exposure to medical equipment and persons with risk of illness.

None.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Meets state and federal requirements.

Valid driver's license per facility requirements.

EOE