Line Cook

Covenant Living•Mercer Island, WA

1d•$21 - $27

About The Position

The Line Cook accurately and efficiently prepares, portions, cooks, and presents hot and cold foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special or catered events in a senior living or healthcare environment. The role prepares food for residents using standardized recipes and cooking techniques to ensure appropriate quantities and consistent quality. It also maintains sanitation standards in accordance with organizational requirements and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Line Cook prepares food to order, may serve customers at an à la carte or grill station, and may prepare meals for people with special diets. The role includes operating kitchen equipment, handling and preparing ingredients, monitoring food temperatures, completing production and preparation sheets, plating dishes, and maintaining inventory and records. The employee also cleans and sanitizes workstations and equipment, stores and labels food properly, and follows safety and risk management procedures. This position requires a high school diploma and a current Food Handler’s Permit. A state sanitation certificate is specified, and ServSafe training is beneficial. Desired experience is 3–4 years in related and advanced food service and cooking. The role requires effective communication, food safety knowledge, the ability to follow recipes and instructions, and the ability to work with limited direct supervision. Work may involve flexible hours and some holidays. Physical duties include lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, frequent movement, and standing for extended periods, potentially up to eight hours.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Current Food Handler’s Permit.
State sanitation certificate.
Desired: 3–4 years of related and advanced food service and cooking experience.
Extensive working knowledge of a kitchen environment and food preparation.
Intermediate to advanced knife skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English with residents and staff.
Ability to read and understand written instructions, follow safety practices, and read and follow recipes unsupervised.
Ability to use basic computer functions.
Dependability, attention to detail, organization, follow-through, patience, and compassion toward senior adults.
Ability to work within standard policies and procedures with limited direct supervision and to handle a variety of tasks.
Ability to react calmly in emergency situations, establish priorities, and manage time efficiently.
Ability to work with diverse groups and maintain considerate interactions with residents and others.
Ability to maintain a neat work area and a well-groomed appearance, and comply with dress code and kitchen uniform requirements.
Knowledge and understanding of food safety, sanitation, food preparation, and serving principles.
Ability to work flexible hours and some holidays.
Ability to lift or carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform frequent stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, and extended walking or standing.
Ability to stand, sit, twist, bend, squat, kneel, or crouch while performing duties, and to stand for extended periods of up to eight hours.
Adequate sight and hearing to meet the responsibilities of the position.

Nice To Haves

ServSafe training is beneficial.
Experience with basic operation of kitchen equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare, portion, cook, and present food for regular meal periods and special or catered events.
Prepare and cook foods to order, including potentially serving customers at an à la carte or grill station.
Follow recipes, product directions, menus, production sheets, and verbal instructions to prepare food consistently and safely.
Prepare ingredients by measuring and mixing, washing, peeling, cutting, shredding, trimming, and portioning foods.
Prepare meals for customers requiring special diets.
Monitor food quality and production, estimate food requirements, requisition supplies and equipment, and maintain records.
Take and record food temperatures and correct temperature discrepancies.
Plate food as ordered, attending to appearance and garnish.
Receive inventory and move and lift foodstuffs and supplies.
Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures.
Assist with setup, breakdown, and cleanup of serving lines and other food areas.
Record and label food with appropriate dates and store it properly.
Comply with company safety and risk management policies and procedures; participate in safety meetings, training, and hazard assessments.
Attend allergy and foodborne illness training and apply food safety and sanitation practices.
Provide high-quality service and interact considerately and compassionately with residents, staff, families, visitors, vendors, and others.