Cook's Helper

The Food and Nutrition Department in the Manhattan Nursing Home is seeking a part time Cook's Helper who can join our team!. This position will work 2 days a week and will report to 120 West, 106th Street, NY, NY 10025.

Job Summary:          

The primary purpose of this job is to assist the cook in the preparation of food in accordance with current applicable Federal, State, local standards, guidelines and regulations within our established policies and procedures and as may be directed by the Executive Chef and/or Food Service Manager, and/or Director of Food and Nutrition to assure that quality food service is provided at all times

Reports To: Executive Chef

Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Review menus prior to food preparation.

·         Pre-preparation of meat, vegetable, etc., in accordance with planned menu to provide for meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance.

·         Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.

·         Prepare food for chopped and puree diets.

·         Assure temperatures of food are within guidelines before service.

·         Time food preparation to meet service schedules to assure that meals are prepared on time.

·         Develop and maintain a good working rapport with department personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.

·         Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the department.

·         Attend and participate in mandatory facility and departmental in-services. .

·         Participates in any program mandated by the New York state Department of Health or the Governor. Safety and Sanitation.

·         Prepare food in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as established departmental policies and procedures.

·         Follow all safety regulations.

·         Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precaution policies and procedures.

·         Assure work area is maintained in a clean and safe manner.

·         Report hazardous conditions/equipment to the Chef/Manager immediately.

·         Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner.

·         Date all food items stored.

·         Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies.  

·         Other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate or as may be directed.

Specialized Skills and Competencies:

·         Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities.

·         Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

·         Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

·         Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

·         Must be knowledgeable of dietary procedures, as well as related laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to hospital and nursing home operation.

·         Must possess willingness to work harmoniously with all levels of staff.

·         Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.

·         Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, appearance or work areas, regular inspection of food service areas for sanitation, order safety and proper performance of assigned duties.

·         Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing dietary practices.

Age Related Skills and Competencies: 

• Demonstrate a high level of sensitivity and interest in people, particularly older adults.

Job Qualifications:

·         High School education or equivalent.

·         Prior cooking experience in food service preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day. Sits, stand, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met to include the use of dietary equipment and supplies.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, geriatric, emotionally upset and at times hostile people within the facility.
• May be required to lift, push, pull and move equipment, supplies, etc., not in excess of fifty (50) pounds throughout the work day. Is subject to sudden temperature changes when entering refrigerator.May be exposed to heat/cold temperatures in kitchen/storage area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising resident/patient/client care.

The TNJH provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce. TNJH is also excited to announce it’s partnership with RAIN, which allows employees to access a portion of their paycheck before payday!