Dietary Cook (Day Shift)

Company: Skilled Nursing Professionals
Location: Abilene
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Mesa Springs Healthcare Come join our team and start making a difference! $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS Pay: From $13.67 per hour Job description: Dietary Aide Full-time About us: At Mesa Springs Healthcare Center, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality care to our residents. Our dietary team plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of those we serve. We are currently seeking a reliable and hardworking Dietary Aide to join our team and help ensure residents receive nutritious and enjoyable meals in a clean, welcoming environment. Position Summary: The primary purpose of your job position is to prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, with out established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Dietary Supervisor, Administrator or Dietician, to assure that quality food service is provided at all times. As a Cook, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. Key Responsibilities: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position. Ensure that menus are maintained and filed in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assist in establishing food service production line, etc., to assure that meals are prepared on time. Process diet changed and new diets as received from Nursing Services. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel as well as with other departments within the facility to assure that food service can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents. Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus. Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the resident. Prepare and serve meals that are palatable and appetizing in appearance. Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures. Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus. Prepare food in accordance with standardized recipes and special diet orders. Prepare and serve bedtime snacks. Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident's meal tray. Review care plans to assure that current dietary information is consistent with foods served. Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served. Prepare food, etc., in accordance with sanitary regulations as well as without established policies and procedures. Ensure that safety regulations and precautions are followed at all times by all personnel. Follow established Infection Control and Universal Precautions policies and procedures when performing daily tasks. Assist/direct daily or scheduled cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all times. Dispose of food and waste in accordance with established policies. Ensure that food and supplies for the next meal are readily available. Assist in inventorying and storing in-coming food, supplies, etc., as necessary. Recommend to the Director of Food Services the equipment and supply needs of the department. Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information. Assist in food preparation for special meals, for parties, etc. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or GED preferred One (1) year dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility preferred (but not necessary). Food handlers permit must be kept up to date if required by state regulations. Must provide evidence of being free of tuberculosis infection upon hire and as set forth by the policies of the facility. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must possess the ability to make independent decision 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 have strong teamwork and communication skills. Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents. Preferred Qualifications: ServSafe certification (preferred) Texas Food Handler Permit or Food Protection Manager Certification 1–2 years of cooking experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional/volume cooking environments Familiarity with therapeutic diets and texture modifications (e.g., pureed, thickened liquids per IDDSI) HACCP or equivalent food safety training Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation and safe food handling procedures Excellent communication skills and teamwork orientation Strong attention to detail and adherence to established recipes and dietary protocols Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen setting Familiarity with inventory tracking and meal documentation systems WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the activities area (i.e. activities room, resident rooms, etc.). Moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors. Communicates with the medical staff, activities personnel, and other department supervisors. Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. May be on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.). Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Benefits: 401(k) Dental Insurance Health Insurance Vision Insurance Paid Time-Off Paid Sick Time-Off PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of mechanical devices): Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to cope with the mental emotional and 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. Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which may include a medical and physical examination. Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Frequent carrying of dietary supplies. Requires frequent pushing and pulling of carts. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations. For benefit details check us out here http://ensignbenefits.com/ Benefits eligibility for some benefits dependent on full time employment status. Disclaimer: Pay rates are competitive and determined by various factors. Please note that any rates labeled as "estimated" are provided by third-party job boards and may not accurately reflect the actual pay rates. EOE disability veteran

Keywords: Skilled Nursing Professionals, Abilene , Dietary Cook (Day Shift), Hospitality & Tourism , Abilene, Texas