Prep Cook

POSITION: The Prep Cook assists the Cook in the preparation of palatable, nutritionally sound meals consistent with departmental policies and procedures and consistent with county, state and federal laws and regulations, as applicable, that meet daily nutritional and special dietary needs of each resident. REPORTING: This position is responsible to the Dietary Services Supervisor. FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: Education: High School graduate or equivalent preferred License: ServSafe Certification, preferred Work Experience: At least one year experience in a commercial kitchen or health care dietary department preferred. Functional literacy and knowledge of basic concepts of nutrition and diet management for regular, modified and therapeutic diets. Language Skills: Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language. Mathematical Skills: Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume. Communication Skills: Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic. Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Follow recipes and prepares foods that correspond to menu cycles and recipes prepared by Dietitian Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc. Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc. Aid cook with alternate menu items, such as salads, fruit plates, etc. Prepare simple dishes such as salads, desserts, etc. Measure ingredients and seasoning to be used in cooking Assist the cook with tray line preparation Portion salads and desserts for lunch Label, stock, store and dispose of food supplies and prepared food in accordance with department procedures and in compliance with county, state and federal laws and regulations, as applicable Follow facility policies and procedures for infection control at all times to maintain a sanitary food preparation and storage area Use personal protective equipment when indicated Follow facility procedures for resident trays that require special handling Inspect food service work areas for evidence of rodents or pests, safety or fire hazards, housekeeping and maintenance problems Correct problems and/or report problems promptly to Dietary Services Supervisor Assist Supervisor with preparations for county, state, and federal inspections, including attending survey training and interacting with state surveyors as instructed by Supervisor Attend in-service education as assigned and apply information to job tasks Report injury to self or others to Supervisor, immediately Report any unsafe/hazardous conditions to Supervisor or Administrator immediately Performs other duties as required and assigned JOB FUNCTIONS: Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions * Obey all HIPAA regulations as they apply to maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property Must be neat and clean in appearance Working knowledge of food handling, preparation and storage techniques that comply with county, state and federal laws and regulations, as applicable Ability to apply regulations to work situations of prep cook Appreciation of the importance of food preparation in enhancing quality of life for residents Carry out all duties in accordance with the facility mission and philosophy Able to understand and to follow written and verbal directions including menus, tray tickets, substitution lists and labels Able effectively to communicate with staff members and residents through verbal and/or written means Knowledge of emergency and disaster procedures of facility, including ability to locate nearest exit and to understand and respond to written or oral instruction in case of emergency Sufficient mobility, and strength to move freely through the building, to assure resident safety a