Head Cook (Senior Living Community)

Suite Living Senior Care•Lakeville, MN

1d•$24 - $26

About The Position

Suite Living Senior Care is seeking a Head Cook to join its dietary team. The position prepares meals according to the menu using batch-cooking methods and ensures meals are presented and served to residents according to customer-service standards. It also maintains a clean, presentable dining room and a clean, safe kitchen. The cook coordinates with community leadership and clinical staff to accommodate residents' dietary needs, supports special events and private gatherings, and prepares food and instructions for weekend and evening meals. The role requires attention to food safety, sanitation, inventory, supply ordering, and budget considerations, as well as the ability to respond to schedule changes and meal-planning issues. The Head Cook works with residents, families, coworkers, vendors, and staff to support a welcoming dining environment and resident well-being.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma.
Related experience as a Cook, Chef, Dietary Aide, or Server is highly preferred.
Experience in a senior living community is highly preferred.
Knowledge of nutrition, recipes, and special dietary needs.
Computer literacy and ability to order food and supplies and maintain inventory.
Ability to work within a budget while maintaining menu integrity.
Good communication and judgment, flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

Related experience as a Cook, Chef, Dietary Aide, or Server.
Experience in a senior living community.

Responsibilities

Prepare meals according to the menu using batch-cooking methods, and ensure meals are presented and served to residents according to customer-service standards.
Maintain a clean, presentable dining room and ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen and kitchen equipment.
Apply knowledge of nutrition, recipes, and special dietary needs, including appropriate substitutions for residents.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and meal-planning problems, consulting a supervisor when needed.
Operate kitchen equipment properly and safely; follow safety and sanitation practices, including handwashing and proper use of protective equipment and cleaning products.
Order food and supplies, maintain inventory, work within a budget while maintaining menu integrity, communicate with vendors, and make recommendations regarding inventory.
Plan for special events, activities, and changes; organize the work area; check the menu and confirm food availability before beginning work.
Manage workflow and scheduled tasks, maintaining contingency plans when delays occur.
Help with special events and fill in for others during emergency situations.
Work with the Assisted Living Director, residents, and families to plan private gatherings.
Coordinate with the Clinical Nurse Manager to accommodate residents on special diets to the extent permitted by the program.
Respect building property and supplies, protect equipment, and reduce waste.
Maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and promptly bring legitimate complaints or problems to the Assisted Living Director.
Answer the phone pleasantly, collect complete information, and respond appropriately.
Foster a welcoming environment for residents through friendly greetings and conversations, attention to their welfare, and respectful responses to concerns.
Accommodate appropriate resident food requests and consult with the Assisted Living Director as needed.
Label, date, and rotate stock.
Report accidents and injuries immediately to the Assisted Living Director and report resident changes to the staff on duty.
Prepare food ahead of time for weekend and evening meals and leave explicit instructions for weekend staff when needed.
Follow menus and provide snacks appropriate for the senior population.
Abide by Food and Beverage License requirements and complete required documentation, such as temperature records.
Recognize needed tasks and take initiative; offer suggestions and ideas for improvement.