Cook/Culinary Aide

Windmill Ponds in Alexandria, MN has a need for a Cook/Culinary Aide. This position is for 16-20 hours per week with varied shifts. Shifts include days, some evenings and every other weekend. This position reports directly to the Director of Culinary Services.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FOOD SERVICE FUNCTIONS

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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School education or equivalent. Some experience preferred

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• 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 eighteen (18) years of age.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Must demonstrate leadership, good judgment, and dependability.
• Must possess good listening and verbal skills.
• Must possess a desire to work with aged, infirm, and handicapped persons.
• Must work as a team member and maintain a positive demeanor.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.
• Must be able to relate information concerning residents’ condition.

• Apply online at http://vistaprairie.org/about/job-opportunities/
• Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer