Dietary Cook

Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove•Oak Grove, MO

31d•Onsite

About The Position

Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove is seeking a dependable and experienced Dietary Cook to join our Dietary team. The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, appetizing, and resident-centered meals while following menus, recipes, therapeutic diet requirements, food-safety standards, and sanitation guidelines. In senior living, a great meal is about more than what's on the plate. Our Dietary Cooks help create an enjoyable dining experience while supporting each resident's individual nutritional needs, preferences, and quality of life.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred or required based on applicable facility/state requirements.
Previous experience as a Dietary Cook, Cook, Line Cook, or food-service professional preferred.
Knowledge of basic food-safety and sanitation practices.
Ability to accurately follow recipes, menus, production schedules, portion guidelines, and dietary instructions.
Strong food preparation and cooking skills.
Attention to detail, particularly when preparing special or therapeutic diets.
Ability to work efficiently and manage multiple responsibilities during meal preparation.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Compassionate and respectful approach when interacting with older adults.
Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high food-quality and safety standards.
Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed to support resident meal schedules.

Nice To Haves

Experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, senior living, healthcare, hospital, school, or institutional food service is a plus.
Experience preparing therapeutic or texture-modified diets is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other menu items according to established recipes and production schedules.
Follow standardized recipes, menus, portion guidelines, and resident dietary requirements.
Prepare meals that are flavorful, appealing, and appropriately presented.
Ensure meals are prepared and served according to established meal schedules.
Coordinate with Dietary Aides and other team members to support efficient meal production and service.
Monitor portions and production levels to help maintain consistency and reduce unnecessary food waste.
Review resident dietary information and follow applicable diet orders and meal instructions.
Prepare texture-modified and therapeutic diets, which may include pureed, mechanical/modified-texture, low-sodium, diabetic/consistent-carbohydrate, and other prescribed diets.
Follow established procedures for allergies, dietary restrictions, substitutions, and special meal requirements.
Ensure resident meals and trays are prepared accurately according to dietary instructions.
Communicate questions or discrepancies regarding resident diets to the Dietary Manager, Nursing, or other appropriate team member.
Follow proper food-handling, storage, sanitation, and infection-prevention procedures.
Monitor and document food temperatures throughout preparation, holding, and service.
Complete refrigerator/freezer temperature logs, sanitation records, and other required documentation.
Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products according to established procedures.
Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, and storage areas.
Follow applicable food-safety regulations and facility policies.
Help create meals residents can look forward to each day.
Interact with residents professionally, respectfully, and compassionately.
Listen to resident preferences and feedback regarding meals and dining services.
Communicate appropriate resident requests and concerns to Dietary leadership.
Support resident choice whenever possible while following prescribed dietary requirements.
Work collaboratively with Dietary and Nursing staff to help address resident dining concerns.
Assist the Dietary Manager, Chef, or other designated leadership with menu preparation and meal-production planning as needed.
Provide ideas for menu variety, seasonal meals, special events, and resident favorites.
Assist with special meals, holiday celebrations, and community events.
Follow established production schedules and adjust quantities appropriately based on resident census and meal needs.
Help monitor food and kitchen supplies and communicate shortages as needed.
Work collaboratively with Dietary Aides, Dietary leadership, Nursing, and other community team members.
Participate in required training, in-services, and food-safety education.
Maintain professional standards and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Support quality-improvement efforts related to dining services and resident satisfaction.
Perform other duties as assigned.