Cook

Peaceful Pines Senior Living - Brookings•Brookings, SD

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 also maintains a safe, clean, and organized kitchen and helps support a positive, team-oriented dining operation. The Cook prepares meals according to menus and schedules, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks; follows specialized dietary requirements; and contributes to special events and themed dining experiences. The position works closely with the Director of Culinary Services and dining team, follows food safety and sanitation standards, and supports inspections and audits.

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.

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 according to menu plans, including breakfast, à la carte options, lunch, and supper.
Ensure ready-to-eat menu options and scheduled morning and afternoon snacks are available.
Prepare meals that meet residents’ 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, and coordinate preparation based on resident census.
Engage with residents in the dining room, build relationships, gather feedback, and adjust meal offerings where appropriate.
Support special events, celebrations, and themed dining experiences, contributing to a welcoming, home-like dining experience.
Follow monthly menus and snack schedules while remaining responsive to resident preferences; participate in nutrition meetings and collaborate on culinary adjustments.
Maintain consistent meal timing and service expectations.
Keep the kitchen, dining areas, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas clean, safe, and organized; wash dishes after meals.
Date, rotate, label, and properly store food in sealed, airtight 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 and 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; participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing development.
Follow company policies and safety procedures and contribute to a respectful, team-oriented work environment.