Cook/Culinary Aide

Vista Prairie Communities is a fast-paced and quickly-growing nonprofit senior housing and health care corporation that uses affiliated organizations to serve persons of diverse incomes by providing nurturing and homelike properties in the lifelong communities of its residents. We engage staff, residents, the local community and service providers to create the quality of life we all hope to experience.

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