Cook

Lakewood Retirement Community-LifeSpire • Henrico, VA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Lakewood, a LifeSpire of Virginia community in Richmond, is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Cook to join our dining services team. In this role, you’ll help ensure residents receive accurate, timely, and high-quality meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. The Cook is responsible for preparing and coordinating meal service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while maintaining food safety, organization, cleanliness, and excellent service in the kitchen.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• The ability to read production sheets and meal tickets and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong time management and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• A dependable, punctual, and customer-service-oriented approach.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing to a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous food service, dietary, or healthcare experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize the serving line for breakfast, lunch, and dinner using production sheets and meal tickets.
• Organize meal tickets and ensure all special diet items and meal modifications are prepared correctly before service.
• Prepare and maintain the steam table, ensuring proper water levels and temperatures.
• Ensure hot boxes are plugged in, preheated, and ready for service.
• Check and document refrigerator temperatures after each meal service in accordance with food safety and healthcare regulations.
• Check food temperatures, expiration dates, and product quality throughout each shift.
• Rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
• Maintain appropriate par levels of chicken salad, tuna salad, sliced deli meats, snacks, supplies, and serving utensils.
• Restock the kitchen and serving areas after each meal to ensure the department is prepared for the next service.
• Clean and sanitize the serving line, equipment, and workstation after each meal.
• Wipe down hot boxes after lunch and dinner service.
• Return dishes to the kitchen after breakfast and lunch and wash dinner service dishes as assigned.
• Report equipment issues, food shortages, safety concerns, or other problems to the appropriate manager or supervisor.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, infection control, and healthcare dietary policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the dining services team to ensure meals are served accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED