Cook

Job Overview

Gallaher Signature Living is seeking a Full-time Cook to join our Laurel Heights team. In alignment with GSL's mission and values, the Cook plays an essential role in delivering a refined, hospitality-driven dining experience for our residents, guests, and team members. This position is responsible for the preparation and presentation of high-quality meals in accordance with approved menus, standardized recipes, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Title 22.

The Cook upholds the highest standards of food quality, safety, sanitation, and service, contributing to a warm, elegant dining environment that reflects the boutique nature of our community.

This position has an hourly range of $19.50 - $21.50 per hour, depending on experience.
Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and production standards, ensuring meals are consistently flavorful, visually appealing, and served at proper temperatures.
• Assist with food preparation for special meals, events, celebrations, and community functions as scheduled.
• Prepare soups, appetizers, entrées, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts for residents, team members, and special events, including meals requiring approved modified or special diets.
• Prepare authorized substitute foods when residents decline menu items, consulting with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding menu adjustments.
• Inspect diet orders and special requests to ensure meals are prepared and served accurately in accordance with approved dietary guidelines.
• Coordinate food production timing to align with scheduled meal service, preserving quality, freshness, and presentation.
• Prepare, handle, and serve food in full compliance with sanitation standards, health department regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain strict portion control, food consistency, and production accuracy to reduce waste and ensure consistency.
• Label, date, store, rotate, and inventory food items according to established food safety and storage protocols.
• Record and monitor cooler and freezer temperatures as required by policy.
• Ensure kitchen, storage areas, and equipment remain clean, orderly, and inspection-ready at all times.
• Dispose of food waste and refuse in accordance with company policy and environmental health standards.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including:
• Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP)
• Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogen protocols
• Emergency evacuation and disaster preparedness plans
• Promptly report safety hazards, sanitation concerns, or occupational exposures in accordance with company procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and culinary team to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Open or close the kitchen as scheduled and communicate staffing concerns (tardiness, absences, call-offs) to supervisory leadership.
• Participate in daily stand-up meetings, scheduled in-services, and required trainings.
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, and warmth when interacting with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Support marketing and community outreach efforts by maintaining a welcoming, polished presence during tours and special events.
• Observe residents and report any concerns or notable changes to supervisory staff in accordance with company policy (without providing direct care).
• Perform all duties in compliance with California Title 22 regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training as mandated by licensure and company policy.
• Perform other related duties assigned to support departmental and community operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) months' experience as a cook in a restaurant, hospitality, or similar food service environment preferred.
• Ability to safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and patiently with older adults, including those with cognitive impairment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt, prioritize, and work independently.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively for communication and documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handler's certification, First Aid, and CPR as required.
• Must pass required criminal background checks and health screenings in accordance with state regulations.

About Us

Gallaher Signature Living is redefining what it means to age well. Rooted in a legacy of compassion, elegance, and excellence, our communities go beyond traditional senior living-offering personalized experiences that enrich daily life and foster meaningful connections. As we continue to grow across California, we are building a team of forward-thinking professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of senior living.

Our support office is located in Windsor, California, and we currently operate residential communities in Santa Rosa, Alameda, Moorpark, and Covina. Our communities support active adults through Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, delivering high-quality services in thoughtfully designed environments.

Benefit Offerings

• Medical (PPO and HSA), dental, and vision insurance options (fulltime only)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - (fulltime only)
• Life insurance (fulltime only)
• 401(k) plan with safe harbor employer match
• Paid vacation and sick time for hourly team members; PTO plan for exempt team members
• Hourly staff members receive paid time off for their anniversary and birthday
• Paid holidays
• Paid bereavement
• Paid jury duty
• Complimentary meals for day-shift property employees from our award-winning dining programs
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
• Extensive employer provided training for staff members at all levels

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

GSL is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. We want to have the best available people in every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), religion (including religious dress and religious grooming), marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, and legally protected medical condition or information, genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military or veteran status, domestic partner status, hairstyles or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, leave of absence, termination, layoff, and recall. GSL is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all people involved in the operations of GSL and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of GSL, including supervisors and coworkers.