Cook - As Needed (PRN) - Tabitha

TABITHA’S PURPOSE:  We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cook is responsible for preparing food items in large quantities for Tabitha’s living communities, Meals on Wheels (if applicable) and catering.  This position is responsible for assisting in training new cooks, improving recipes, and monitoring use of leftovers.  This TEAMember strives to uphold Tabitha’s LIVE2Care Culture and actively embraces Tabitha’s Core Values.  As a result, the TEAMember supports Tabitha goals related to dignity, respect, independence, competence, autonomy, personal comfort, safety and security of Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, “Seniors/clients”).  In addition, the employee contributes to the success of Tabitha through ongoing collaboration with, coworkers, management, volunteers and others in the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares food in accordance with current applicable federal, state and corporate standards, guidelines and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided.
• Follows basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other food products for consumption in all units.
• Prepares foods by operating a variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting and shredding fruits and vegetables, and trimming and cutting meat, poultry or fish for culinary use.
• Provides personalized service during guest interactions.
• Tastes products, reads menus, estimates food requirements, checks production, and keeps records in order to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment.
• Assists with unloading, receiving, and stocking food/supply delivers from the food delivery truck. 
• Responsible for cleaning and sanitizing major kitchen equipment by completing daily and weekly cleaning assignments.
• Utilize critical thinking skills to independently work and also problem solve with nursing staff.

COMMUNICATION: Must be able to accurately weigh and measure food ingredients required.  Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language including instructions and labels.  Sufficient fluency to be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, provide instruction to others, read and understand labels, read warning signs and/or labels, instructions, policies, procedures or other similar documentation,  hold a conversation, participate in meetings, prepare legible, accurate and thorough documentation as required by the job and interact with coworkers and managers effectively.  Ability to recognize and interpret non-verbal cues.  Ability to respond calmly and clearly to emergencies, heavy workloads and changes in priorities. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to gain access to the work area and then safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below.  Physical stamina with the ability to perform duties while moving about the work area for the entire shift with few opportunities to sit down and with little or no break between tasks.   Strength and stamina sufficient to frequently and continuously lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, climb stairs while carrying supplies, assume and maintain awkward positions while performing duties (such as working to maintain equipment) and manipulating various supplies and equipment.  Frequent periods of intense activity.  Vision within normal limits (with or without correction).  Must have unrestricted lift/push/pull ability and pass a 50  - pound physical exam demonstrating strength and agility prior to employment and from time to time thereafter at Tabitha’s discretion.    

EQUIPMENT USAGE:  Standard and specialized equipment including but not limited to steam jacket, two-compartment electric steamer, Rational Ovens, conventional oven,  fan, convection oven, grill, fryer, microwave, warmer, Buffalo food processor, slicer, food chopper, large and small mixers, blender, food processors, refrigerator, freezers, and garbage disposal, computer and food service software.

AGE REQUIREMENT:  At least age 18.

EDUCATION:   High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience in quantity food production in health care facility or similar competency level preferred.  

CREDENTIALS:  Prep/Cook Level Food Handler Permit required for Tabitha campuses in Lancaster County. Must meet Tabitha's vaccination requirements.

EEO Disability/Veteran