Lead Cook

Harmony Senior Services•Yorktown, VA

2d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Cook prepares meals according to approved menus and recipes while accommodating residents’ special dietary needs. The role assists the Dining Services Director with training and supervising dietary staff and supervises staff when both the Dining Services Director and Dining Services Supervisor are absent. The Lead Cook helps ensure the kitchen is prepared for meal service and, when working the evening shift, is clean and ready for the next day’s operation. The position includes monitoring food and equipment safety, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, managing leftovers and food preparation, and keeping required temperature records. The Lead Cook also learns residents’ dietary needs and preferences, watches for changes, and communicates courteously with residents, visitors, and staff while following confidentiality policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience as a cook; senior-living experience, preferably in fine dining, is preferred.
Leadership experience.
ServSafe certification, or willingness to complete certification within 60 days of hire.
Basic understanding of food service operations, including familiarity with other dietary position duties.
Ability to read, write, and perform simple calculations; learn quickly and apply learned principles; and follow oral and written directions.
Experience in food preparation and cooking, including estimating food quantities.
Knowledge of sanitation and safety principles for handling food and equipment.
Ability to stand for long periods and withstand temperature extremes, wet and/or humid conditions, and noise.
Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly or at least eight times per shift, carry heavy objects for 20 feet, and pull, push, grasp, and reach as needed for cooking activities.
Ability to stay organized and work well with people as part of a team.
Must wear the designated uniform, including slip-resistant footwear, during working hours and maintain good personal hygiene.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Senior-living cooking experience, preferably in fine dining.

Responsibilities

Prepare and present menu items according to standard recipes and approved menus, taking residents’ special dietary needs into account.
Assist the Dining Services Director with training and supervision of dietary staff; supervise dietary staff in the absence of the Dining Services Director and Dining Services Supervisor.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including floors, and participate in weekly cleaning routines.
Report faulty equipment and broken or chipped tableware and food trays to a supervisor, and remove affected items from meal service.
Report incorrect refrigerator and freezer temperatures immediately and record temperatures twice per day.
Ensure leftover food is properly cooled, stored, identified, and dated.
Observe safety practices and monitor portion sizes to minimize food waste.
Remove frozen food items for the next day or meal and begin preparation for the next meal.
Make menu substitutions only when approved by the Dining Services Director.
Supervise assigned duties to ensure the kitchen is ready for meal service; when working the evening shift, leave the kitchen clean and ready for the next day.
Take and record food temperatures three times daily.
Attend required in-service sessions and staff meetings; conduct in-services and training as directed by the Dining Services Director.
Learn residents’ specific dietary requests, watch for changes in their dietary needs and preferences, and follow confidentiality policies regarding resident information.
Treat residents, visitors, and staff courteously and politely.