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 Preparation & Quality: • 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 Experience & Engagement: • 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 Adherence & Nutritional 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 Operations & Sanitation: • 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. Compliance & Food 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 Collaboration & Culture: • 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…