Cook

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for the food preparation, storage, and supply for the program. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Kitchen Manager with daily operations including food preparation, cleanliness and adherence to health codes and regulatory guidelines.
• Will assist Kitchen manager with menu planning and food ordering when needed.
• Ensure all meals are prepared in accordance with approved menus, meeting mealtime schedules and record client/staff meals census.
• Maintain high health standards, cleanliness, sanitation, always including the wearing of hairnets and/or caps within food preparation and serving areas.
• Familiarization with State Health Codes relating to the operation of a commercial kitchen and will always comply.
• Prepare requisitions for food and commodities as needed and receive and properly store all deliveries.
• Ensure that equipment is in good operating condition and that temperatures are within proper standards, be constantly aware of fire and safety hazards and report repair/maintenance needs to supervisor.
• Label, date, and store all left over food in accordance with sanitary food handling requirements.
• Always maintain professional standards with food preparation and handling, as well as maintaining a high level of good housekeeping.
• Taste test food prior to serving and reserve samples of each meal for 24 hours to determine possible food contamination.
• Follow procedures for dispensing and retrieving all utensils during and after meal periods; and
• Maintain current inventory on all commodities and stored goods.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Military/Veteran preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• As mandated by Presidential Order all employees of WestCare Foundation, Inc. and all affiliates of WestCare Foundation, Inc. will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective 11/1/2021. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years experiences in quality food preparation for large groups and/or institutional cooking and food service is preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Food Handler Card

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in a kitchen setting.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.