Lead Cook

About the Job:

The Dietary Lead maintains kitchen areas in a clean, safe, sanitary and orderly manner. Assists cooking staff in the preparation of meals according to the menus planned; service and or delivery of food to patients and employees; and cleaning the department and equipment utilizing proper infection control procedures. Advises kitchen supervisor on any safety concerns and need for equipment repairs. Directs other dietary staff in food preparation and service.

Roles and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs the day to day tasks of other dietary department staff.
• Performs routine tasks related to clean up and sanitation of kitchen, dining or serving areas.
• Guides or directs staff in food preparation and service.
• Cleans kitchen areas including cooking areas, prep area, restrooms, serving counters, dish washing area, dry storage area, coolers and freezers per policy with appropriate chemicals and processes.
• Assists cooking staff in meal preparations to include mixing, ingredient measuring, cutting and stirring.
• Assists with unloading and stocking of storage areas and coolers/freezers during truck food deliveries.
• Serves food to patients and staff at the serving counter.
• Stocks consumable products, napkins, cups, plastic ware, condiments, etc.
• Cleans dining area after meals, floors, tables, seats, beverage stations etc.
• Assists cook and plans individual schedules so that all foods assigned to prepare will be properly prepared and ready at the appropriate time.
• Assembles items needed for preparation from low temperature storage units and storerooms.
• Prepares snacks, floor stock, late trays, salads, desserts, beverages, bread, and condiments for serving and delivery to units.
• Sets up steam table in such a way to make them attractive and easily served in standardized portions; labels food according to modification.
• Services and restocks food throughout serving period, communicates with cook to ensure that foods are replenished when needed without delay.
• Prepares leftover food for proper storage labeled with description of food and date and assists with the cleaning of steam table and pans.
• Transports, sorts, and washes all dishes from dining room and units using the dish machine. Scrubs and disinfects pots and pans. Returns clean items to appropriate storage area for next meal. Records dish machine temperatures at each meal washing service.
• Keeps dish room, utility room and pot and pan area clean and orderly and free from standing water and transports the trash to the dumpster.
• Provides information to nursing staff regarding patient’s responses to foods.
• Adheres to menu compliance, special diet compliance and reports any dietary non-compliance, concern or complaint of patients to dietician, supervisor or manager.
• Assists with receiving and checking in food/supplies to ensure proper handling and storage.
• Assist in the orientation of new staff and provide ongoing training for dietary staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Two or more years’ experience in food service role in preparing food for institutions, such as school, hospital or cafeteria required.
• Understands safe food handling procedures.
• Ability to operate dishwasher, stoves, ovens, mixers and other related equipment.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

SERV Safe Certification or similar food safety certification, where required by the state, facility.

WORK LOCATION:

This position is onsite at the facility and is not a remote position.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

This position is an Individual Contributor.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.