Cook | Chef - Senior Living

Heritage Senior Living•Middleton, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cook With Purpose. Serve With Heart. Make a Difference. Do you love preparing great food and knowing your work makes someone’s day better? Heritage Senior Living is looking for a dependable and passionate Cook to join our culinary team. This is an opportunity to use your cooking skills in an environment where meals are more than food—they’re an important part of our residents’ daily experience. As a Cook, you’ll prepare and serve delicious, appealing meals while getting to know the residents you serve. If you take pride in your food, value a clean and organized kitchen, and enjoy being part of a team, we’d love to meet you!

Requirements

Previous food preparation or cooking experience required.
Ability to read and follow recipes, menus, food labels, dietary instructions, and safety procedures.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Good judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Strong communication and customer-service skills.
Understanding of or willingness to learn sanitation and infection-control practices.
Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and community team members.
Ability to meet applicable pre-employment, training, and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Food-service or culinary certification is a plus.
Senior living, healthcare, institutional food service, hospitality, or restaurant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook meals according to established menus, recipes, and production standards.
Follow proper portioning, presentation, and serving methods.
Prepare meals according to resident preferences, special dietary needs, and applicable dietary instructions.
Ensure food is prepared and served safely, accurately, and on time.
Monitor food quality, temperatures, appearance, and presentation throughout preparation and service.
Follow direction from the Executive Chef and Sous Chef regarding daily production and culinary operations.
Assist with food preparation for special events, celebrations, and resident activities.
Provide friendly and attentive service to residents and guests.
Interact with residents during meal service and help monitor dining satisfaction.
Respond professionally to resident requests and communicate concerns to the appropriate team member.
Help create meals residents can look forward to each day.
Work collaboratively with the culinary team and other departments to provide an exceptional resident experience.
Follow Heritage Senior Living food-safety, sanitation, and infection-control practices.
Comply with applicable state and local food-service and health department requirements.
Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized food-preparation and kitchen areas.
Follow established cleaning schedules and infection-control procedures.
Properly label, date, rotate, and store food products.
Follow appropriate food rotation and storage practices to maintain quality and reduce waste.
Monitor inventory and communicate food and supply needs to the Executive Chef.
Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
Assist with monitoring dishwasher temperatures and chemical levels as needed.
Complete or assist with required food-safety, temperature, cleaning, and other department documentation.
Communicate effectively with residents, guests, and team members.
Read and follow recipes, menus, dietary instructions, food labels, safety information, and required documentation.
Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
Bend, reach, stoop, kneel, push, pull, and perform movements necessary for food preparation and kitchen duties.
Regularly lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Safely handle food, cookware, utensils, kitchen equipment, and cleaning supplies.
Perform hands-on food preparation, cooking, portioning, plating, and meal service.
Work safely around heat, steam, hot surfaces, sharp utensils, cleaning products, wet surfaces, and temperature changes.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Work a flexible schedule based on resident and community needs, including weekends, holidays, and additional hours as needed.