Cook - Full Time- Red Wood Falls, MN

Vista Prairie Communities at Garnette Gardens in Red Wood Falls, MN has a need for a Full -Time Cook. Shifts would include AM and PM hours and every other weekend. This position reports to the Director of Culinary Services.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cooks or otherwise prepares food according to recipe.

• Cuts, trims, and bones meats and poultry for cooking.

• Bakes bread, rolls, cakes, and pastries.

• Portions cooked foods per Director’s direction regarding size of portions and methods of garnishing.

• Carves meats, portions food on plates, adds gravies and sauces, and garnishes servings.

• Adjusts thermostat controls to regulate the temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, steamers, or other food service equipment.

• Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipe, using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment such as blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, and tenderizers to prepare soups, salads, gravies, sauces, casseroles, and desserts.

• Bakes, roasts, broils, and steams meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.

• Adds seasonings to foods during mixing or cooking, according to recipes, personal judgment, and experience.

• Observes and tests foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and piercing with fork to determine that it is properly cooked.

• Has good knowledge of nutrition, recipes and special dietary needs, e.g. what to substitute for residents on special diets or what a bread exchange is.

• Demonstrates good emergency decision making, e.g., food that was ordered for a meal and was never delivered.

• Demonstrates good basic knowledge and willingness to learn new techniques; asks questions or looks up references as needed.

• Aware of events, activities and changes; efficiently organizes work area; checks menu and ensures food items are available before starting.

• Keeps up with the flow of work; knows which tasks can be delayed or skipped to meet important scheduled time and has contingency plans if waiting for something is necessary.

• Willing to help with special events, fill in for others to accommodate emergency situations.

• Ensures that each person on a special diet is accommodated.

• Demonstrates a strong respect for facility property and supplies; takes action to protect equipment and eliminate waste.

• Maintains a cheerful and cooperative relationship with coworkers.

• Always cheerful with a hello and good morning for residents. Initiates friendly conversations with residents; shows concerns for their welfare.

• Accommodates resident requests promptly, if appropriate, e.g. substitute for foods that cause heartburn, change of tablemates, etc.

• Smoothly integrates proper safety sanitation techniques as part of the work, e.g. washes hands, wears proper equipment for safety, and uses cleaning products properly.

o Ability to see when task need to be accomplished and takes the initiative to do the tasks.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School education or GED.

• Training in health related disciplines and/or experience preferred.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of state, federal and local regulations.

• Must receive a "not disqualified" criminal background result from Department of Human Services and may not be on the OIG exclusions list. 

• Must be a minimum of sixteen (16) years of age.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.

• Must possess a desire to work with aged, infirm, and handicapped persons.

• Must be able to relate to and work with the elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people, dementia residents and occasionally challenging behaviors.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to connect and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and to prioritize, organize and manage multiple priorities. 

• Ability to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions, when necessary.

To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter on our website: http://vistaprairie.org/about/job-opportunities/

Vista Prairie Communities is an equal opportunity employer.