Cook

Peaceful Pines Senior Living - Fort Pierre•Fort Pierre, SD

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares and serves nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks for residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care at Peaceful Pines Senior Living in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. The role helps create a welcoming, home-like dining experience by engaging with residents, gathering feedback, and taking individual preferences and dietary needs into account. The Cook follows established menus and snack schedules while remaining flexible when appropriate. The position maintains a clean, safe, and organized kitchen, follows food safety and infection control standards, and collaborates with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team to support smooth operations and a positive resident experience. Applicants must be able to pass a background check.

Requirements

Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to safely perform physical tasks related to kitchen work.
Must follow company policies and safety procedures.
Must be able to pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

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.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Commitment to quality and consistency in food preparation; understanding of person-centered dining and resident choice; strong organization, time management, teamwork, communication, food-safety awareness, and a positive service mindset.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve nutritious, freshly prepared meals and snacks in accordance with menu plans, including breakfast, à la carte options, lunch, and supper.
Ensure ready-to-eat menu options are available and meals accommodate diabetic, low-sodium, and other specialized diets.
Bake and prepare homemade items such as cookies, bars, and bread as needed.
Maintain food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency, and coordinate meal preparation based on resident census.
Engage with residents in the dining room, build relationships, gather feedback, and consider preferences and suggestions when adjusting meal offerings.
Support special events, celebrations, and themed dining experiences, contributing to a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Follow monthly menus and snack schedules, prepare morning and afternoon snacks, and support consistent meal timing and service.
Participate in nutrition meetings and collaborate on culinary adjustments.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen; wash dishes and clean kitchen and dining areas after meals.
Keep refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas clean, labeled, and organized; date, rotate, and store food in sealed, airtight containers.
Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
Follow food safety, sanitation, infection control, state requirements, and proper food-handling practices.
Log daily temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and food items, and support readiness for inspections and audits.
Work with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team; communicate about food preparation, resident needs, and service timing.
Support a positive, respectful, team-oriented work environment and participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing development.
Follow company policies and safety procedures.