Dietary Cook

Position Summary
The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing, and safe meals for residents in an assisted living facility. The Cook follows established menus, dietary requirements, food-safety standards, and resident preferences while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to the facility’s menu and recipes.
• Follow special diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and other resident dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are prepared, portioned, and served at scheduled times.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, appearance, and temperature.
• Follow all food-handling, sanitation, and infection-control procedures.
• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food supplies.
• Monitor food inventory and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be reordered.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, work areas, refrigerators, and storage areas.
• Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and quality.
• Work cooperatively with dietary staff, caregivers, and facility management.
• Respond respectfully to resident preferences and concerns regarding meals.
• Complete required kitchen and food-safety documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience preferred; experience in healthcare, assisted living, senior living, or institutional food service is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation and safe food-handling practices.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary instructions accurately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and carry food supplies as required.
• Must meet applicable state and local food-service requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Experience preparing meals for older adults.
• Knowledge of therapeutic and modified-texture diets.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen.
• Compassionate and respectful attitude toward residents.
• Strong attention to cleanliness and detail.

Work Schedule
The position may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the facility’s needs.

Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Dietary/Food Service Manager or designated facility supervisor