Dietary Cook

Position Summary The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing, and safe meals for residents in an assisted living facility. The Cook follows established menus, dietary requirements, food-safety standards, and resident preferences while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to the facility’s menu and recipes.

Follow special diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and other resident dietary requirements.

Ensure meals are prepared, portioned, and served at scheduled times.

Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, appearance, and temperature.

Follow all food-handling, sanitation, and infection-control procedures.

Properly store, label, date, and rotate food supplies.

Monitor food inventory and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be reordered.

Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, work areas, refrigerators, and storage areas.

Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate portions and quality.

Work cooperatively with dietary staff, caregivers, and facility management.

Respond respectfully to resident preferences and concerns regarding meals.

Complete required kitchen and food-safety documentation.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Previous cooking experience preferred; experience in healthcare, assisted living, senior living, or institutional food service is a plus.

Knowledge of basic food preparation and safe food-handling practices.

Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary instructions accurately.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Good communication and organizational skills.

Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and carry food supplies as required.

Must meet applicable state and local food-service requirements.

Preferred Skills

Experience preparing meals for older adults.

Knowledge of therapeutic and modified-texture diets.

Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen.

Compassionate and respectful attitude toward residents.

Strong attention to cleanliness and detail.

Work Schedule The position may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the facility’s needs.

Reporting Relationship Reports to the Dietary/Food Service Manager or designated facility supervisor