Cook

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Fa cilities : Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary :

Plans and prepares meals for regular, therapeutic, and modified diets; prepare meals from various menu items using standardized recipes and procedures; and prepares meals using multiple cooking methods. Ensures that meals are ready at the appropriate time and that temperatures are maintained and conform to established standards.

Scope of Work :

This position is located within the Nutrition and Dietetic Services Department of the Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital and is one of six (6) Cook positions. The incumbent's primary job is to produce meals for patients accurately, employees, and outside customers, provide responsive and timely customer service, and ensure that the food service section functions smoothly daily by completing job tasks within a specified time frame. The Cook position works under the direction of the Cook Supervisor, who establishes daily work assignments and spot-checks completed work assignments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below) :

• Independently prepares various meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruit, sauces, gravies, soups, salads, grain items, and desserts for regular and therapeutic diet orders.
• Prepares, cooks, and seasons food products for all meals by following standardized recipes; plans and regulates cooking procedures so that numerous completed food products are ready at the appropriate temperature and time.
• Plan and coordinate entire meal preparation; works with other Cooks to ensure efficiency during the food production process.
• Prepare and present food to appeal to customers visually, and it conforms to established food standards in terms of shape, size, texture, color, and flavor.
• Prepares meals for therapeutic diets including but not limited to diabetic, sodium-restricted, low fat / low cholesterol, soft, renal, clear and complete liquid, and mechanically altered.
• Prepares menu items using recipes that may require numerous steps and lengthy preparation procedures.
• Prepare a variety of menu items using technical preparation methods. Examples are braising, sautéing, steaming, poaching, roasting, grilling, and pureeing.
• Examine all food for quality and freshness before preparation.
• Monitor cooking temperatures and evaluate the condition of food cooking at frequent intervals.
• Makes modifications to recipes by increasing or decreasing the ingredients based on the number of servings needed and the type of equipment available.
• Serves prepared food items to patients during tray line meal service using correct portion sizes; final temperatures taken and recorded before delivery.
• Deliver meal and nourishment to the inpatient ward within the required meal service time frame.
• Plans and coordinates with other Cooks the food needed for the weekly menu to ensure that food items are pulled and defrosted before meal preparation.
• Assists in receiving, labeling, and storing weekly food delivery orders; dates and labels food items and uses FIFO practices when storing food items.
• Sets up and stocks areas before meal service delivery.
• Cleans and sanitizes equipment, utensils, floor, and work area using appropriate procedures and cleaning solutions.
• Documents daily temperatures of refrigerators / freezers, dishwasher, and 3-compartment sink; documents temperatures of food items and ensures that appropriate temperature is achieved before meal service.
• Maintain required reports and records.
• Sets up the dining room area and services employees and customers who purchase food from the hospital's kitchen; operates a cash register, which involves receiving cash and giving correct change; demonstrates appropriate customer service skills when providing meal service to customers.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Minimum Qualifications :

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements :