COOK (TR/PRN)

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

5d

About The Position

The Cook at Riverside Senior Living prepares and serves high-quality, nutritious meals for residents in a welcoming and sanitary environment. The role ensures meals meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences while following food safety and sanitation guidelines, and works with the dietary team to provide a satisfying dining experience.

The Cook prepares meals using established recipes, menus, and dietary requirements; assists with menu planning and adjustments; maintains kitchen cleanliness and food safety; monitors inventory and assists with ordering and receiving deliveries; and interacts with residents about preferences and special requests. The role also maintains required food-safety and preparation records and collaborates with kitchen aides and other cooks. Additional duties may include supporting special events, cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment, and helping train new kitchen staff.

The position requires a Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe Certification. Two years of cooking experience in healthcare, senior living, or hospitality is preferred. Culinary arts training, additional food-safety or culinary certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent are also preferred.

The listed pay range is USD $19.02–$23.46 per hour. Riverside Healthcare describes Total Rewards that include compensation, paid time off or accrued paid leave depending on FTE, health and welfare benefits for eligible FTE levels, retirement plans with employer match, and educational assistance.

Requirements

• Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe Certification is required.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience as a cook in a healthcare, senior living, or hospitality setting.
• Completion of a culinary arts program or equivalent training.
• Additional certifications in food safety or culinary arts.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes, menus, and residents’ dietary requirements.
• Assist with planning and adjusting menus to accommodate residents’ dietary needs, health conditions, preferences, and restrictions.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and follow food storage, handling, preparation, health department, and facility sanitation requirements.
• Monitor food supplies and ingredients, maintain adequate stock, and assist with ordering and receiving deliveries while checking quality and accuracy.
• Engage with residents to understand food preferences and accommodate special requests when possible.
• Collaborate with the dietary team, kitchen aides, and other cooks to support efficient kitchen operations and timely meal service.
• Maintain required records of food temperatures, preparation times, and sanitation practices.
• Assist with food preparation and service for facility events and activities.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Guide and support new kitchen staff and assist with training on procedures and safety practices.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs for eligible FTE levels; paid leave hours accrued as work is performed for 0.001 to 0.49 FTE.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible FTE levels.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Competitive compensation, premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay, and opportunity for annual performance-based increases.
• Employee well-being programs and career development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed