Cook (Senior Living Community)

Suite Living Senior Care•Lakeville, MN

About The Position

Suite Living Senior Care is seeking a Cook to join its dietary team in Lakeville, Minnesota. The Cook prepares meals according to the menu using batch-cooking methods and ensures meals are presented and served to residents according to customer-service standards. The role also helps keep the dining room clean and presentable. This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension. The Cook supports residents’ dietary needs and well-being while maintaining safe, sanitary, and efficient kitchen operations. Duties include planning and preparing food, managing supplies and inventory, coordinating with coworkers and leadership, and responding appropriately to residents’ requests and concerns. The role may also support special events and private gatherings and prepare food and instructions for weekend and evening meals.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma.
Related experience as a Cook, Chef, Dietary Aide, or Server is highly preferred.
Experience in a senior living community is highly preferred.
Computer literacy and ability to order food and supplies and maintain inventory.
Knowledge of nutrition, recipes, special dietary needs, and safe food handling and sanitation practices.
Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely.
Good communication and decision-making skills.
Ability to plan and organize work, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changes.
Dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, and flexible.
Ability to work autonomously with little direction.
Passion for the well-being of the elderly community.

Nice To Haves

Related experience as a Cook, Chef, Dietary Aide, or Server.
Experience in a senior living community.

Responsibilities

Prepare meals according to menus using batch-cooking methods and ensure they are presented and served to residents according to customer-service standards.
Maintain a clean and presentable dining room, kitchen, and kitchen equipment.
Apply knowledge of nutrition, recipes, and special dietary needs, including appropriate substitutions for residents.
Make sound decisions when food or supplies are unavailable and consult with a supervisor as needed.
Operate kitchen equipment properly and safely; use appropriate sanitation, safety equipment, and cleaning products.
Order food and supplies, maintain inventory, communicate with vendors, and make considered recommendations about inventory.
Work within a budget while maintaining menu integrity; label, date, and rotate stock and take steps to prevent waste and protect equipment.
Plan for special events, activities, and changes; organize the work area and check food availability before starting tasks.
Prioritize work to meet scheduled meal times and develop contingency plans when necessary.
Help with special events and fill in for others during emergency situations.
Work with the Assisted Living Director, residents, and families to plan private gatherings.
Coordinate with the Clinical Nurse Manager to accommodate residents’ special diets to the extent permitted by the program.
Maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and bring legitimate complaints or problems to the Assisted Living Director promptly.
Answer the phone pleasantly, obtain complete information, and respond appropriately.
Interact cheerfully and respectfully with residents, initiate friendly conversations, listen to concerns, and direct problems to the Assisted Living Director.
Accommodate residents’ food requests promptly when appropriate, consulting the Assisted Living Director as needed.
Report accidents and injuries immediately to the Assisted Living Director and report resident changes to staff on duty.
Prepare for the upcoming week, prepare food ahead for weekend and evening meals, and leave explicit instructions for weekend staff when needed.
Follow menus and provide snacks appropriate for the senior population.
Comply with Food and Beverage License requirements and document required information, such as temperatures.
Recognize tasks that need to be completed, take initiative, and offer suggestions for improvement.