Cook - River Grove (Loudon) - Food

Job Description

Are you someone who takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Join a team where your passion can shine through in work that truly matters.


At Aramark SeniorLIFE+, we serve thousands of seniors living in assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care communities. Everything we do helps make each day special for the residents we serve. From providing delicious dining experiences to keeping spaces clean, safe, and welcoming, we create moments that bring joy, promote wellness, and support vibrant, fulfilling lives. With seniors at the heart of what we do, we are dedicated to nurturing lives and creating meaningful connections. Bring your purpose and passion to Aramark SeniorLIFE+ and be part of a team that makes every moment count.


As a Cook at Aramark SeniorLIFE+, you play a critical role in preparing nutritious, flavorful, and well-balanced meals that cater to the dietary needs of our senior residents. You will follow established menus, food safety regulations, and client standards, ensuring the highest quality in every dish served. This role demands a strong knowledge of scratch/batch cooking, the ability to prepare therapeutic diets, and a passion for culinary excellence in a healthcare or senior living setting.


Job Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking
• Prepare and cook flavorful, yet visually appealing meals following standardized recipes, nutritional guidelines, and resident dietary needs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in scratch cooking, batch preparation, and therapeutic diet modifications.
• Utilize various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, broiling, steaming, and sautéing.
• Adjust menus as needed to accommodate dietary modifications and resident preferences.
Compliance & Food Safety
• Follow all state, federal, and local food safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation, and storage guidelines.
• Maintain clean equipment, utensils, and a sanitary workstation.
• Comply with infection control policies and wear protective equipment as required.
Meal Service & Presentation
• Assist with plating, garnishing, and portioning meals to meet presentation standards.
• Serve meals efficiently while accommodating resident preferences within dietary guidelines.
• Offer alternative meal options for residents with special dietary needs.
Team Collaboration & Administration
• Coordinate with the Dietary Manager, dietitians, and healthcare staff to meet resident needs.
• Assist with inventory management, food ordering, and proper storage procedures.
• Complete required reports, documentation, and compliance forms accurately.
Resident-Centered Approach
• Build positive relationships with residents to enhance their dining experience.
• Demonstrate patience, compassion, and professionalism in a senior living environment.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents, guests, and team members.


At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.


Qualifications

Experience
• Minimum of one year as a cook in a healthcare, senior living, or related setting.
• Familiarity with therapeutic diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, mechanical soft, pureed).
• Strong knowledge of safe food handling, batch cooking, and scratch cooking.
Certifications
• Must obtain and maintain a Food Manager's Certification and/or SERV Safe Certification (or be willing to acquire upon hire; state-specific).
Skills & Abilities
• Strong understanding of food preparation techniques and various cooking methods.
• Ability to convert recipes, measure ingredients accurately, and maintain portion control.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment such as ovens, slicers, steamers, and mixers.
• Effective time management to ensure meals align with scheduled service times.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and perform repetitive tasks such as bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Adhere to all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
Availability & Scheduling
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts including early mornings, mid-day and evening shifts as needed
• Availability for early morning, midday, and evening shifts as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment while maintaining quality.
Strong attendance and reliability to ensure consistent meal service for residents.


Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.


About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.