Cook - The Overlook

Job Description

Position Title:            Cook

FLSA STATUS:                     Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:                     Executive Chef, Health Center

SUPERVISES:                       N/A

DEPARTMENT:                  Health Center Culinary Services

COMPNAY:                          MHS/The Overlook – Charlton Campus

POSITION SUMMARY:

The role of Cook in Culinary Services at The Overlook, supports our Team’s effort by providing our Residents and greater Community with excellent quality and service through the production of our menus and their ingredients. The Cook supports a diverse workforce and participates in The Overlook’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.  This position ensures that the quantity and quality of our production are consistent with the standards of Culinary Services and works with members of the Team to ensure our Resident needs and expectations are met. This individual produces menu components from fresh and exceptional ingredients and has the technical skill and knowledge required to achieve this with a passion for learning more.

The Cook’s work schedule varies and corresponds to The Overlook’s operational needs.  This position may assist with coverage in other areas outside of which is generally assigned.  As our work is central to Resident life, their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and in such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times is required, including weekends and holidays.  In addition, the position is designated as providing essential services and should report to work, or remain on duty even when the Community is closed; such as during declared emergencies.

Under the guidance and support of Chef de Cuisine, the Cook prepares items to standard by using recipes, ingredients and the tools provided to ensure consistency and quality to desired results. The Cook receives insight from Skilled Cooks and specific direction from the Demi Chef and/or Chef as it pertains to operational and Resident needs, including the ability to receive critique and adjust course of work.  The Cook, at times, also receives direction from other Leadership in the department such as Service Supervisors or Managers.  The Cook performs their work in a safe, efficient and sanitary manner, applying with full knowledge, safe food handling procedures.  The Cook, is responsible for communicating their needs and participates in the organization of storage and environmental cleanliness. The daily culinary operations require that the Cook works well within a Team concept, supporting the Culinary Team with the planning, production and implementation of menus and systems.  This person maintains and applies the tools, information, resources, and support necessary of their role, to enable the Team’s success to help create and serve seasonal, fresh menus from exceptional ingredients.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Proper Storage and Rotation of Goods – including consistent labeling and dating.
• Maintaining of Stations and Service areas in support of established standards.
• Reads menu, Adheres to Production Sheets, Estimates Ingredient/Equipment Requirements.
• Maintaining the Quality, Professionalism and Safety of the work environment.
• Works scheduled shifts, reports to work on time, and complies with uniform policy.
• Adheres to all Company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that city, state and federal laws, codes, statutes and regulations governing food handling and food sanitation are met.
• Ensures assigned station is prepared for each shift by use of visual inspection, production guides and applied efficient production methods.
• Maintains operational cleanliness, sanitation and organization to standard and as directed, including ceilings, walls, floors, food contact surfaces, equipment and storage.
• Works in unison with Service Team to provide exceptional service.
• Communicates concerns and needs to Supervisor.
• Ensure kitchen is secure, organized, safe and clean during service and close of business.
• Committed to the quality of our resources, performs work to prevent loss and waste.
• Maintains all areas in an orderly, clean, and sanitary manner, including the complete and proper breakdown and cleaning of all equipment.
• Conveys work with quality knife skills and fundamental cooking knowledge. Production of menu items to standard. Recipes are followed, uniform production standards are met, and all items are consistent and of the highest possible quality.
• Observes and tests foods during preparation, cooking and service, by tasting, smelling, visual skills and thermometer to determine that product is to standard.
• Washes and processes vegetables and fruits in advance of preparing them for use.
• Prepares cooked, uncooked, raw and ready-to-eat product.
• Adjusts thermostat controls to regulate temperature of equipment.
• Communicates equipment maintenance needs or concerns to Culinary Leadership.
• Measures and mixes ingredients to recipe specifications and by using appropriate tools.
• Assist with new product research and recipe testing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent in Culinary Arts.

Required Experience:

• 1-3 years of food preparation experience including hot and cold food production
• Strong verbal and written communications, customer service, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to taste and/or work with any and all ingredients used.
• Ability to mathematically reduce and expand measurements required by recipe.
• Attention to details.
• Work flexible hours based upon departmental needs including extended shifts.

Preferred Experience:

• High volume catering/banquet production, buffet presentation, a ’la carte cooking, baking and pastry.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Overlook will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective Team Members and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The Overlook is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, The Overlook will better serve our communities. The Overlook is an employment-at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, The Overlook prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW:

The Overlook is a non-profit organization operating since 1911 and offering a full continuum of care and services for older adults in MA. The organization embraces its rich history and heritage, owning and managing 218 Independent Living Apartment Homes and Cottages, 28 Enhanced Care Private Suites, a 14- Suite Assisted Living Memory Care neighborhood, 27-unit Short-term Post-Acute Rehabilitation, 112-bed Long Term Care Skilled Nursing, as well as Home Health, Hospice, Palliative Care, Private Duty and Care Management divisions.

The Overlook and its 3 subsidiaries are based in Charlton, MA, with satellite home health and hospice offices across the state. The organization employs approximately 600 talented and compassionate Team Members and serves 1,500+ Residents/Patients.

The Overlook has a Vision to design a mixed-use Community beyond its singular function as a Retirement Community, a pedestrian-friendly, walkable "Village Center" environment, with select retailers, restaurants featuring fresh, locally sourced food, a brewery, a large banquet, and events center, enriching programs, health and wellness-focused on mind, body and spirit, and more. The Overlook’s bucolic setting on 450 acres of beautiful New England countryside, 16 miles of nature trails, a dog park, and a wealth of amenities offer limitless possibilities in helping us reposition our Campus.

THE OVERLOOK WAY:

All Team Members of The Overlook must embrace and commit to conducting themselves at all times in support of our 28 Guiding Principles, Culture of Excellence, and core values, which form the foundation of our unique culture. The Overlook strives to exceed expectations, inspire and "Do what's best for those we serve."

Integrity: saying what you mean, meaning what you say (in action and words), even if it hurts you personally or professionally

Respect for Individual Choice: empowering and supporting others in their Self-determination for health and well-being, as they define it

Compassion: understanding and empathy for others

Creativity/Innovation: thinking wildly, planning accordingly

Grace: putting people at ease, without compromising performance or outcomes

JUST SOME OF OUR BENEFITS AND PERKS:

1. Solid Track Record of Promoting
2. Team Members from within
3. Plenty of Free Parking
4. Free Daily Lunch on
5. Campus
6. Vacation, Sick, Holiday Time + Floating Holidays
7. Travel Reimbursement
8. Professional Development
9. Flexible Spending and Health Reimbursement Accounts
10. Employee Assistance Programs
11. Tuition Reimbursement
12. Short + Long Term Disability, Life Insurance
13. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
14. Access to Fitness Center, Pool, and Onsite Massages

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Overlook will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective Team Members and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The Overlook is strongly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employee differences and similarities. By providing and supporting a work culture that fosters and builds upon diversity and its strengths, The Overlook will better serve our communities. The Overlook is an employment-at-will organization and an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, The Overlook prohibits retaliation against an applicant or employee because he or she has engaged in protected activity under the statutes prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

Powered by JazzHR