Cook

About the Role

As a Cook, you will impact the lives of residents through all phases of food preparation (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner) that meets or exceeds Buckner quality, service, and hospitality standards. Responsible for serving food to clients as required. 

What You’ll Do
As a member of our team you will have an impact on our clients through accomplishment of the following responsibilities:

•  Prepare food items using Westminster Place standardized recipes and ensure that all food meets quality and service standards. 

• Prepare meals based on menu requirements. Review menus and select appropriate ingredients and supplies in order to prepare for cooking meals, including selecting the appropriate amount of food for daily menus. Obtain necessary supplies from storage areas in adequate time for meal production.

•  Cook breakfast, and/or lunch, and/or dinner meals that are nourishing, palatable and appetizing in appearance using standard recipes.

• Monitor quality of food items during production for taste, smell, appearance, and temperature. 

•  Prepare meals in a cost effective and efficient manner; utilize food items and equipment in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. 

•  Obtain approval from supervisor on all food substitutions. 

• Maintain meal count and documentation records in accordance with standards as required. Monitor for overproduction and recommend effective and appropriate utilization of leftovers. 

•  Maintain food inventories and complete requisition forms.

• Plan cooking schedules in conjunction with the Food Service Director. Ensure food readiness at meal times in accordance with Westminster Place cooking and serving schedules.

•  Conduct temperature checks of cooked food prior to service of items.

•  Follow proper food handling techniques at all times. 

•  Serve food according to portion-control guidelines, program needs, and plate presentation guidelines for all menu items.

•  Prepare food for special diets as requested. Prepare all food for therapeutic diets as directed by the Dietary Manager and healthcare requirements.

•  Help reduce costs by rotating food, wrapping all containers properly, and dating all items as required. Report any spoilage, damage, or outdate products to your supervisor as soon as possible.

• Inspect food production and dry storage areas routinely to ensure areas meet or exceed Westminster Place standards; properly maintain all food production equipment in a safe and sanitary manner.

• Receive and store groceries, canned food, frozen food, produce, and other supplies; date perishable items. Assist managers with control and security of all food and supply items.

•  Move food and ingredients to and from storeroom and kitchens.

• Clean refrigerators and freezers; wash pots and other cooking equipment and utensils as required.

•  Mop, sweep and clean work area; keep work area clean and sanitary at all times.

•  Detect, correct and report situations that have a possibility of causing accidents or injuries to residents or others.

• Maintain compliance with all Buckner policies, procedures and requirements. Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements and state and federal laws. 

• Maintain or exceed Westminster Place standards of appearance and cleanliness at all times, including personal sanitation, hygiene, and health standards. 

•  Work successfully as part of a team and responsible for developing then maintaining strong working relationships with co-workers.

•  Assist in the orientation and training of all food production employees as required.

•  Attend staff meetings and training as required; participate in in-service training, including proper utilization of all equipment used in food service production and proper sanitation guidelines.

• Perform general office tasks as required. 

•   Perform special assignments, projects, and other duties as required.

What You’ll Bring to the Team
To be successful in this role and a great addition to our team we need you to come with the following:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred.  Minimum 1 year prior related experience required.  

• Requires knowledge of food preparation, ingredients, recipes, and equipment used for dining facilities serving a minimum of 25 individuals.

• Requires knowledge of and ability to learn food serving, cleanliness and sanitation requirements.

•  Requires ability to understand and follow basic wr