Dietary Cook (Evening Shift)

Ensign Services•Abilene, TX

2d•$14

About The Position

At Mesa Springs Healthcare Center, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality care to our residents. Our dietary team plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of those we serve. We are currently seeking a reliable and hardworking Dietary Aide to join our team and help ensure residents receive nutritious and enjoyable meals in a clean, welcoming environment. The primary purpose of your job position is to prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, with out established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Dietary Supervisor, Administrator or Dietician, to assure that quality food service is provided at all times. As a Cook, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred
One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary).
Food handlers permit must be kept up to date if required by state regulations.
Must provide evidence of being free of tuberculosis infection upon hire and as set forth by the policies of the facility.
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
Must have strong teamwork and communication skills.
Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

Nice To Haves

ServSafe certification (preferred)
Texas Food Handler Permit or Food Protection Manager Certification
1–2 years of cooking experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional/volume cooking environments
Familiarity with therapeutic diets and texture modifications (e.g., pureed, thickened liquids per IDDSI)
HACCP or equivalent food safety training
Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation and safe food handling procedures
Excellent communication skills and teamwork orientation
Strong attention to detail and adherence to established recipes and dietary protocols
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen setting
Familiarity with inventory tracking and meal documentation systems

Responsibilities

Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time.
Process diet changed and new diets as received from Nursing Services.
Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel as well as with other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus.
Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident.
Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.
Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.
Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus.
Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders.
Prepare and serve bedtime snacks.
Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray.
Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with foods served.
Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.
Prepare food, etc., in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as without established policies and procedures.
Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel.
Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.
Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times.
Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.
Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available.
Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc., as necessary.
Recommend to the Director of Food Services the equipment and supply needs of the department.
Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information.
Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc.