Cook

The Cook plays a key role in creating a warm, nourishing, and enjoyable dining experience for residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.

At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, dining is more than a meal-it is an opportunity for connection, comfort, and joy. The Cook is an important part of the resident experience by engaging with residents, gathering feedback, and ensuring meals reflect individual preferences and needs. Living Life Together, the Cook helps create a dining experience where residents feel heard, valued, and at home through food, hospitality, and meaningful interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Culinary PreparationQuality:

• Produce and serve nutritious, freshly prepared meals and snacks in accordance with menu plans.
• Prepare breakfast (including à la carte options), lunch, and supper per established menus and ensuring ready-to-eat menu options are available.
• Ensure meals meet dietary needs, including diabetic, low sodium, and other specialized diets.
• Bake and prepare homemade items such as cookies, bars, and bread as needed.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Coordinate meal preparation based on resident census.

Resident ExperienceEngagement:

• Engage with residents in the dining room to build relationships and gather feedback.
• Seek input from residents regarding preferences, satisfaction, and meal suggestions, and adjust meal offerings, as appropriate.
• Support special events, celebrations, and themed dining experiences.
• Reinforce that dining is an important part of residents' daily enjoyment and overall well-being.
• Contribute to a welcoming, home-like dining experience through both food and presence.

Menu AdherenceNutritional Support:

• Follow monthly menus and snack schedules while remaining flexible to resident preferences.
• Participate in nutrition meetings and collaborate on culinary adjustments.
• Ensure morning and afternoon snacks are prepared and available.
• Support consistent meal timing and service expectations.

Kitchen OperationsSanitation:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment at all times.
• Wash dishes and clean kitchen and dining areas after meals.
• Keep refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas clean, labeled, and properly organized.
• Ensure all food items are dated, rotated, and stored in sealed, airtight containers.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.

ComplianceFood Safety:

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards, including state requirements.
• Log daily temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and food items.
• Maintain proper food handling practices at all times.
• Support readiness for inspections and audits.

Team CollaborationCulture:

• Work closely with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team to ensure smooth operations.
• Support a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Communicate effectively with team members regarding food preparation, resident needs, and service timing.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing development.
• Contribute to a culture where quality, hospitality, and resident experience are shared priorities.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to safely perform physical tasks related to kitchen work.
• Must follow all company policies and safety procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of basic cooking skills, food preparation, and serving procedures.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, menus, and production guidelines.
• Experience in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare dining preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Commitment to quality and consistency in food preparation.
• Understanding of person-centered dining and resident choice.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Teamwork and communication.
• Attention to food safety and sanitation.
• Positive attitude and service mindset.

HME Care is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should call the Director of Human Resources at 1-605-736-1974 or email hrdept@hmecompanies.net.