Aggregate Cook

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as an Aggregate Dietary Cook at the Montana Veterans’ Home. The Montana Veterans' Home (MVH) located in Columbia Falls is a Medicare/Medicaid and Veterans' Administration certified facility with 105 intermediate/skilled-care beds and 12 domiciliary beds. The nursing facility includes a 15-bed Dementia Care unit. MVH has been providing services to Veterans since 1896. The Montana Veterans' Home is located next to the Flathead River just minutes away from Glacier National Park. A large pavilion, walking paths and protected courtyards provide ample opportunities for outdoor access. The facility offers individual and group activities, spiritual services, support group services and social services. The skilled and rehabilitative services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and dietitian services.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation (15 days per year), sick leave (12 days per year), and holidays (11 per year), work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

A. Food Preparation

• Prepares hot/cold entrees, baked items, salads, soups, desserts & nutritional supplements following guidelines such as: master menu production instruction, physician prescribed diets in order to maintain resident nutritional health, Department of Health guidelines, Medicaid/Medicare regulations, Veterans Administration Dietary Guidelines.

Read & follow master menu diet extensions & production sheet instructions. Assemble all needed food supplies & follow all food production procedures for cooking & cooling foods using temperature guidelines. B. Serving of Food Serves on tray line dishing all hot foods following selections according to portion control, diets & special resident requests, temperature guidelines, food presentation techniques.

Serve residents on special adaptive equipment including scoop plates, special large handle silverware & sip cups. Serve DOM dining room residents following tray line procedures using portion control and diet instructions with adherence to likes & dislikes. Serve and prepare hot entrees for all employees following protocol for cooking & cooling of food for later service.

Use proper cooling & storage technique for left over foods returning from tray line service. C. Cleaning and Sanitizing Clean & sanitize steamer, mixers, hot plate, ovens, grill, fryers, steam kettle & surrounding areas including pots & pans in the triple sink area. Clean & sanitize all work surfaces & workstations.

Clean & sanitize shelving & storage areas.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Must be able to operate commercial kitchen equipment in a safe manner. Work closely with co-workers in limited space & maintain positive work relations. Lift 15 lbs. frequently/50 lbs. occasionally. Carry 15 lbs. occasionally. Push/Pull force 25lbs frequently, up to 80 lbs. Reach forward & down frequently/above the shoulders occasionally. Remain on feet (stand or walk) for extended periods of time on tile floors. Handle/grasp up to 80%25 of a shift, with repetitive hand motions. Must be able to tolerate heat & humidity. Regular exposure to odors, fumes, & noise from equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required for the first day of work:

· Working knowledge of kitchen sanitation, safety & equipment. · Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with co-workers/residents. · Ability to follow instructions. · Ability to effectively communicate with others. · Ability to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

· High School Diploma or Equivalent. · One year of job-related work experience in food service operations. · Nursing home or hospital setting preferred.

How to Apply:

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit your application on the State of Montana Careers website.work4dphhs.com. Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources at 406-897-6084.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.