Cook

San Joaquin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center – Bakersfield, CA
Full-Time
Pay Range: $18.50 – $19.00 per hour

Join Our Team!

San Joaquin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is seeking an experienced and dependable Cook to join our Dietary Services team. If you have a passion for preparing nutritious, appetizing meals and enjoy making a difference in the lives of seniors, we'd love to hear from you!

As a Cook, you'll play an essential role in ensuring our residents receive high-quality meals that meet their nutritional needs while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation.

Position Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing meals in accordance with physician-ordered diets, approved menus, and established food safety standards. In the absence of the Dietary Supervisor, the Cook assists with the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, appetizing meals according to approved menus and standardized recipes
• Cook a variety of foods in large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency
• Follow portion control guidelines and therapeutic diet requirements
• Prepare modified and pureed diets accurately
• Record and monitor food temperatures to ensure food safety compliance
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation area
• Clean cooking equipment, serving carts, and workstations
• Maintain proper sanitizer solutions and food safety standards throughout each shift
• Assist with meal service and resident dining experience
• Ensure all cleaning schedules and sanitation procedures are completed
• Report resident concerns or safety issues to the Administrator or Director of Nursing
• Assist with orientation and ongoing training of dietary staff
• Work collaboratively with nursing and other departments to provide exceptional resident care
• Assist in supervising kitchen operations during the absence of the Dietary Supervisor
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum one (1) year of cooking experience in a hospital, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care facility preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• ServSafe Certification required or ability to obtain and maintain certification
• Knowledge of PointClickCare (PCC) preferred
• Must remain in good standing with the Department of Public Health

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and follow recipes and therapeutic diet instructions
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and infection control practices
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling throughout the shift
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment
• Frequent use of hands and arms for food preparation and kitchen duties
• Ability to work in a warm kitchen environment while maintaining productivity and safety

Why Join San Joaquin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center?

• Competitive pay
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' daily lives
• Stable healthcare setting with opportunities for growth and advancement
• Rewarding career serving seniors in our community

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.