Cook

Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield•Richmond, VA

4d•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Cook prepares, presents, stores, and dispatches food products for the dining room, bistro where available, marketing and catering events, and resident tray service where required. Under the direction of designated management and supervisors, the Cook prepares food to set menu specifications and within established time limits, in accordance with standards set by the Dining Services Director and Guest and all applicable health and safety regulations. The role includes following sanitary and safe food-handling guidelines at all times. The Cook helps ensure meals meet residents’ dietary requirements, nutritional programs, and individual plans, while maintaining appropriate quality, presentation, portions, temperatures, and quantities. The position also supports kitchen cleanliness and food storage, inventory, training of new employees, and adherence to departmental policies and procedures. The posted pay range is $18–$22 per hour. The posting describes the role as full-time when discussing associate benefits. Full-time associates may be eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability options; a 401(k) retirement savings plan; paid time off; an employee assistance program; and additional voluntary benefits.

Requirements

At least 1 year of cooking experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of food and catering trends, quality, production, sanitation, food-cost controls, and presentation.
Knowledge of food-service methods and procedures, sanitation principles, and safe food handling.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Effective communication skills.
Flexibility and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse environment.
Effective teamwork skills.
Computer literacy, including working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and email.
Attention to detail.
Strong time-management and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
Strong problem-identification and problem-resolution skills.
Strong work ethic and a positive team attitude.

Nice To Haves

Working experience in the retirement home industry.

Responsibilities

Prepare, present, store, and dispatch food for the dining room, bistro where available, marketing and catering events, and resident tray service where required.
Prepare and serve menu items according to departmental policies, procedures, established standards, and set menu specifications.
Prepare meals according to menus, nutritional programs, and individual plans.
Ensure meals meet established standards for taste, presentation, quality, and dietary requirements, and serve correct portions at appropriate temperatures.
Maintain food quality and safety through sanitary practices, cleaning floors and surfaces, and properly covering and storing food.
Work at an efficient and consistent pace and prepare meals on time and in quantities sufficient for daily needs.
Use kitchen equipment during food preparation and remain productive while preparing for future needs as time allows.
Ensure residents receive meals that correspond to their dietary requirements.
Demonstrate flexibility and volunteer to fill open shifts when staffing needs vary.
Follow reporting procedures for accidents and incidents to support follow-up and prevention.
Comply with regulations covering blood-borne pathogens, infection control, hazardous materials, and fire safety.
Ensure food and departmental supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner to maintain adequate inventory for anticipated needs.
Assist with training new employees.
Report infractions of food-services policies and procedures.
Arrive at work at the scheduled time and perform other related duties as required.
Model the company’s core values, ensure personnel exemplify them, and create and drive a sales culture.