Cook - Dietary Aide HCC

Overview

Job Purpose 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 compliant with state and federal laws and regulations to meet daily nutritional and special diet needs of each resident. They ensure foods are prepared and served at the proper temperature and time.

They work with the Director of Food Service to allocate resources efficiently so that each resident receives food in the appropriate amount, type, consistency and frequency to maintain acceptable body weight, nutritional value and quality of life.

• Assists cook in the preparation of meals, salads, desserts, snacks or other dishes for patients/residents, and prepares between-meal nourishments (make sandwiches, etc.).
• Follows diet orders and NPO diet orders.
• Serves nourishments in accordance with procedural guidelines.
• Stores leftovers/opened food properly.
• Follows procedures for serving partner meals.
• Offers menu substitutions and records them in accordance with procedural guidelines.
• Complies with infection control policies in the work area.
• Delivers trays to patients/residents on halls and in dining area.
• Assists with the serving/pouring of juice, milk, water and tea; makes coffee/tea as requested.
• Cleans all tables in the dining area after each meal.
• Cleans work area at the end of shift and after meals, including sweeping and mopping, and stores all cleaning equipment appropriately.
• Cleans 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.
• Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers.
• Rinses, washes, dries and stores dishes, pots and pans.
• Records freezer and walk-in refrigerator temperatures in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains dishwasher and dish sink; checks and records water temperature, sanitizer levels and chemical levels; replaces as needed.
• Maintains supply stock and properly stores items according to established procedures.
• Sets up tray line and performs tray line service.
• Operates the dish machine, garbage disposal, mixer, blender, meat slicer, steamer, coffee and tea maker.
• Uses, cleans and maintains serving equipment (ladle, spoon, scoops, etc.) according to established procedures.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of food handling, preparation and storage techniques that comply with state and federal laws and regulations. Applies regulations to work situations of cook and to supervision of staff assistants.
• Follows recipes and prepares foods that correspond to menu cycles prepared by Dietitian. Prepares palatable, attractive, nutritionally adequate meals in institutional quantities served at proper times.
• Assists with supervision of kitchen staff that assist with food preparation, assembling trays, cleaning and storage of supplies and equipment. Continuously cleans food service work areas as food preparation and service are performed. Uses food supplies and equipment efficiently to prevent waste.
• Prepares and maintains supply of food substitutes to accommodate resident choices, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences. Inspects trays following meal service to monitor and record resident acceptance of menu items. Reports findings to Dietary Manager.
• Uses food preparation equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions. Follows proper cleaning techniques and preventative maintenance schedules. Handles, stores and disposes of food supplies and prepared foods in accord with department procedures and in compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Participates in center/agency surveys (Licensure/JCAHO) and any subsequently required reports.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs to stay current in the field and maintain license/certification as required.
• Attends and participates in mandatory in-services.
• Honors patients/residents’ rights to fair and…