Cook - Avamere at The Stafford

Avamere•Lake Oswego, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares nutritious, flavorful meals for residents across varying levels of care. The role ensures meals comply with residents’ dietary restrictions, maintains high sanitation standards, and supports a warm, dignified dining experience. The Cook works with the Dietary/Dining Services Director and nursing staff to align care plans with resident diets and takes a resident-first approach by seeking feedback and learning individual preferences.

Requirements

2–3 years of Cook experience; hospital or healthcare facility experience is preferred.
Current ServSafe Manager certification, or willingness to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
Current Food Handlers card issued by the local Health Department.
Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions.
Attention to detail when following and calculating recipes and production sheets, and when monitoring cooking and food timing.
Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, hygienic preparation and storage methods, and safety, supported by formal on-the-job training.
Approximately one year of experience in quantity food preparation to maintain high standards of food preparation.
Initiative and sound judgment in setting up meals and using leftovers.
Competency in operating kitchen equipment.
Interpersonal skills to establish effective relationships with department workers, supervisors, and other departments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of resident care information.
Genuine desire to improve seniors’ quality of life.
Ability to create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm, cheerful environment.

Nice To Haves

Hospital or healthcare facility cooking experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, ensuring food is appealing, properly seasoned, and served at the correct temperature.
Prepare alternative menu options and snacks as needed for residents with changing appetites.
Adapt recipes for dietary needs, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, puréed, and mechanical-soft diets.
Accommodate the dining needs of memory care residents, including finger foods, enhanced flavors, and flexible dining times.
Create a calm, structured, and inviting dining environment that encourages socialization and appetite stimulation.
Follow food safety, handling, and storage regulations, including ServSafe guidelines.
Clean and sanitize kitchen, preparation areas, and dishwashing stations at the end of every shift.
Monitor and record food and refrigerator temperatures daily.
Seek resident feedback and build relationships to understand individual preferences.
Collaborate with the Dietary/Dining Services Director and nursing staff to align care plans with resident diets.
Maintain kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and equipment in accordance with ServSafe and local health department codes.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low individual and family deductibles; benefits eligibility begins at 30+ hours per week.
401(k) retirement plan with discretionary employer match.
Paid time off (PTO).
Premium pay for holidays worked, subject to conditions.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Free, confidential Canopy support for mental health, stress, family needs, and work/life balance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account (CERA).
Voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
Legal services.