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* * The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a Cook at the Montana Veteran’s Home. * */ /Job Overview:The Montana Veterans’ Home is a Medicare/Medicaid and Veterans’ Administration certified facility that has been providing services to Veterans since 1896. Admission is for honorably discharged veterans who qualify for skilled/intermediate nursing care or domiciliary self-care living. Spouses of veterans will be admitted on a space-available basis. This position is a Dietary Cook. The Cook prepares large quantities of food items & nutritional supplements for residents, following prescribed therapeutic diets in order to maintain nutritional health. Other responsibilities include: 1) Serving food to residents; and 2) Cleaning and sanitizing food supplies and work areas.* This position is eligible for a statutory $1.50 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2024. *Why Join DPHHS Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve and protect the health, safety, and well-being, and to empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. 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. Essential Functions (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 instructions; 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 entrée 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 & 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, & work stations. · 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% of a shift, with repetitive hand motions. Must be able to tolerate extreme heat & humidity. Regular exposure to odors, fumes, & noise from equipment. Possible exposure to verbal & physical abuse from residents. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors): 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.* Title: Cook Location: Columbia Falls Requisition ID: 24141073