Caregiver/Cook

The Caregiver is responsible for providing resident services, including assistance with personal care, medication reminders, social and recreational activities, meal services, and other tasks as needed to facilitate the continued well-being of the resident. He or she must be sensitive to the needs and desires of each resident and make an attempt to improve and enrich their lives.

The Cook prepares and serves nutritious, attractive meals and maintains the cleanliness of the food production and service areas. The ideal candidate has demonstrated skills as a cook and can prepare a wide range of foods skillfully while following the rules and regulations related to health and safety in food preparation.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adheres to and conveys a philosophy that supports the dignity, privacy, independence, choice, and individuality of residents.
• Reviews resident Service Plans as needed to gain and maintain a familiarity with resident services needs and preferences
• Reviews the Staff Communication log and corresponding resident Service Notes on a daily basis for information about changes in resident service needs and/or health conditions
• Provides personal services to residents as assigned and as indicated on resident Service Plans
• Helps residents with medications and/or treatments as indicated in the medication book and as assigned and allowed by regulation
• Responds to calls from the emergency call system in a timely manner
• Demonstrates knowledge of and follows infection control procedures
• Helps maintain a clean, comfortable, and safe environment by providing housekeeping services as needed
• Helps with individual resident and group social/recreational activities as requested and encourages resident participation in activities
• Monitors for changes in resident needs, preferences, and/or health status and reports/documents any changes according to established procedures
• Responds to emergencies in an appropriate manner as per training received
• Reports any abuse, suspected abuse, or alleged abuse to the appropriate supervisor and/or agencies
• Prepares and serves meals as indicated on planned menus using standardized portion sizes and approved substitutions
• Ensures that meals are served at scheduled times, planning and organizing food preparation tasks appropriately
• Completes all clean-up duties as needed after each meal service
• Follows cleaning schedules and sanitation checklists to ensure kitchen and food service areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
• Ensures that resident, staff, and guest meals are accounted for according to established procedures
• Ensures that resident food preferences are met
• Observes and reports to the Director of Food Service or Executive Director any problems, concerns, or issues regarding the Food Service Department
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Physical Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must meet in-service training requirements
• Must have a desire to work with the seniors in an environment that upholds their privacy, dignity, choice, independence, and individuality
• Must be able to organize and use time appropriately to accomplish assigned tasks with minimal supervision
• Must be able to work well with others and function effectively as part of a team
• Must be well-groomed and willing to follow dress requirements
• Must have a cheerful, enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to learn new knowledge/skills
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds, to occasionally lift more than 50 pounds, and to spend long periods of time walking/standing
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English
• Must have a general understanding of the needs of seniors
• Must demonstrate successful employment as a cook
• Must be able to prepare and serve a wide range of foods skillfully
• Must have a working knowledge of the rules and regulations related to health and safety in food preparation

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Experience with seniors preferred
• Experience performing care-giving tasks preferred
• Two or more years of experience cooking for large groups preferred
• Experience preparing special diets preferred, including low sodium, low cholesterol, diabetic, and vegetarian

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions required of a person in this position. I have read the above job description, understand the conditions set forth therein, and will perform these duties to the best of my ability.