Lead Cook

The Lead Cook is responsible for the delivery of services provided by the Dining Services Department. This role is accountable to monitor the activities and behavior for the residents of the Community so that the care, services, and activities of each resident is appropriate and delivered to them in a continuous, predictable, and efficient manner.

• Coordinate and communicate with all food services and other team members in maintaining a holistic perspective of care and services for each resident
• Actively engage yourself in supporting, introducing, and implementing activities that maximize each residents identity, abilities, and interests
• Provide the highest quality food preparation, plate presentation and prompt service to all residents
• Personally get to know residents of the Community by communicating with other team members and departments, reviewing appropriate resident records, and direct conversation with residents
• Participate in the orientation of each new resident of the Community to their new living environment, to you as a team member, to other team members, and to all other residents
• Follow and actively participate in all resident orientation practices and procedures which have been and will continually be developed to ease the disorientation, confusion and withdrawal, for each new resident. Remain as closely involved as possible in all activities and therapies of your residents to ease their anxiety while they become accustomed to their new and unfamiliar living environment. Explain the amenities, routines, and expectations of the Community and your department and discuss their unique needs and preferences with them as often as necessary to ease their transition.
• Perform all dietary services mentioned in Resident's Handbook and Care Plan. Continually observe each residents ability to perform basic daily living activities (ADL's) and social skills, communicate observations and refer potential difficulties or opportunities for resident improvement to the appropriate team members (team leaders, supervisors, manager)
• When called upon, participate in care planning and other formal and informal meetings to identify and confirm recommended actions that develop and reinforce residents full potential to live independently and age in place graciously. Work individually on a consistent basis each day to expand the number of activities of daily living the residents perform for himself/herself. Encourage and motivate each resident to do as much for themselves as possible but take time, if necessary to assist when required.
• Recommendation of, and involvement in food services programs that will stimulate and maximize their unique interests and attributes for each resident is your responsibility, and should be based on a first hand knowledge of the residents likes, dislikes, beliefs, and interests. Plan your daily work schedule in a way that will maximize time for personal individualized interaction with residents of the Community. Use the time when providing service to encourage participation in individual and group activities so as to develop improved future ADL skills.
• Record and use all pertinent information from resident records regarding effective methods used in effecting communication with, motivation of, and assistance to each resident
• Request additional guidance, training, and support as necessary to make your work with each resident reach their full potential for a safe, healthy and meaningful lifestyle in the Community
• Participate in all required training, orientation, meetings and programs offered by employer
• Promptly discuss and resolve any potential food services and care coordination problems with all involved team members and team leaders
• Be cost conscious at all times; work with Culinary Director to see that leftovers are used and inventories are properly managed to keep costs in line
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with all state and local health department practices, safety practices and infection control practices
• Maintain high level of professionalism, and customer service orientation with all residents and other team members
• Under the direction of the Culinary Director, prepare soup, sauces, salads, and desserts, according to established standards and recipes; prepare all regular and special menu items for all meals that occur during your shifts
• Break down and clean your work area as assigned by cleaning schedule and Culinary Director; clean pots and pans and other wares as necessary
• Label and date all food before storing
• Secure and lock all walk-in storage, refrigerators, and freezers; lock back door entry
• Present a professional demeanor that communicates to current and prospective residents the corporate philosophy of service, goodwill, and genuine interest in the residents unique needs; conduct yourself and your business at all times so as not to detract from or reflect adversely on the reputation of the community; handle all resident concerns and complaints with finesse and in a caring, polite and professional manner.
• Communicate and channel to supervisor all resident, personnel, and other matters and information which could concern or be in any way beneficial to employer
• While on duty, diligently and conscientiously devote your full and exclusive time and attention, your best skills and efforts, to the discharge of your duties
• Promote a thorough and continuous understanding among all employees of the importance of the food services department to the quality of life for all residents and prospective residents
• Perform such other tasks as may be required from time to time by the management of the community

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 or more years of experience of on-line cook in food services
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• General knowledge of and demonstrate proficiency in various food preparation techniques, serving methods, and portion control standards, and general nutritional requirements for residents of retirement housing communities, obtained through formal training or on-the-job experience
• Willing to work shift assigned, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
• Problem solving, conflict management, and budgeting skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• English language skills adequate to allow communication with residents and staff, and to understand written and verbal instructions
• Compassion for elderly
• Self-motivated

#Calvary#LI-DNP

Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.

For Washington, DC this ranges from $48,000.00 - $66,000.00 plus benefits and retirement program.

Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit-sharing/401k plan. We invest in our employees education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Note to Recruiters, Placement Agencies, and Similar Organizations : Gilbane does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our jobs alias, website, or to any Gilbane employee. Gilbane will not pay fees to any third party agency or firm and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of Gilbane and will be processed accordingly.