Cook

Peaceful Pines Senior Living - Madison • Madison, SD

9d

About The Position

The Cook prepares and serves nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks for residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The role supports a warm, home-like dining experience by engaging with residents, gathering feedback, and accommodating individual preferences and dietary needs. The Cook prepares meals according to menus and schedules, maintains food quality and presentation, and supports special events and themed dining experiences.

The Cook maintains a clean, safe, and organized kitchen; follows food-safety, sanitation, infection-control, and state requirements; and keeps food storage areas properly labeled, dated, rotated, and organized. The position works closely with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team, communicates about resident needs and service timing, and contributes to a respectful, team-oriented culture. 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 and time-management skills.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• Attention to food safety and sanitation.
• Positive attitude and service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious, freshly prepared meals and snacks in accordance with menu plans, including breakfast, lunch, and supper.
• Provide à la carte and ready-to-eat menu options as appropriate.
• Prepare meals that meet dietary needs, including 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.
• Coordinate meal preparation based on resident census.
• Engage with residents in the dining room, build relationships, and gather feedback about preferences and satisfaction.
• Adjust meal offerings as appropriate based on resident input.
• Support special events, celebrations, and themed dining experiences.
• Follow monthly menus and snack schedules while remaining flexible to resident preferences.
• Participate in nutrition meetings and collaborate on culinary adjustments.
• Prepare and make morning and afternoon snacks available, and support consistent meal timing and service expectations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment.
• Wash dishes and clean kitchen and dining areas after meals.
• Keep refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas clean, labeled, and organized; date, rotate, and properly store food in sealed containers.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Follow food-safety, sanitation, infection-control, and state requirements; maintain proper food-handling practices.
• Log daily temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and food items.
• Support readiness for inspections and audits.
• Work with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team to ensure smooth operations.
• Communicate with team members 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.

What This Job Offers

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