Lead Cook

Lead Cook

CiminoCare is a family-owned company that looks to employ caregivers that are compassionate, self-motivated, and proud to be a part of a team of professionals. Providing security, care, and assistance in a serene setting is an ideal fit for a candidate who enjoys working with seniors. Come join a growing company who has flourished by providing seniors with Old World Hospitality!

Come work for a family owned company that appreciates and values your skills. Enjoy a job that makes an impact everyday!

Benefits offered to full time staff include:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

This position is classified as Hourly/Full-time at $22.50/hr.

The Lead Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals and supporting daily kitchen operations within a senior living community. This role provides direction to kitchen staff during assigned shifts, ensures compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, and contributes to a positive, resident-centered dining experience. The Lead Cook plays a key role in maintaining consistency, efficiency, and hospitality in all food service operations.

Responsibilities and duties:

Prepare and cook meals in accordance with planned menus, standardized recipes, portion control guidelines, and resident dietary requirements

Provide daily leadership and direction to cooks, dietary aides, and kitchen staff during assigned shifts

Ensure meals are prepared and served on time while meeting quality, presentation, and temperature standards

Accommodate therapeutic and modified diets, including diabetic, cardiac, low-sodium, texture-modified, and other physician-ordered dietary needs

Monitor food quality, freshness, proper labeling, rotation, and storage in compliance with food safety standards

Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing food safety and sanitation in long-term care settings

Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, stocking, and First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation practices

Train, mentor, and support kitchen staff in food preparation, sanitation procedures, safety practices, and resident service expectations

Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and report maintenance needs promptly

Collaborate with the Dining Services Director and culinary team on menu planning, seasonal menus, and special events or resident celebrations

Support a resident-centered dining program by responding professionally to resident preferences, feedback, and special requests when appropriate

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and food service environment at all times.

Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Additional responsibilities:

Follow all facility safety programs and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards, Title 22 regulations, and applicable state licensing requirements for senior living or assisted living environments

Support infection control, sanitation, and food safety practices consistent with senior care standards

Participate in emergency preparedness procedures, including fire safety, disaster response, and evacuation protocols

Attend required training, in-service education, and staff meetings as assigned

Requirements:

Must meet all pre-employment and ongoing health requirements, including physical examination and tuberculosis screening, as required by state regulations

Must meet Department of Social Services (DSS) or applicable licensing agency requirements, including fingerprint clearance and criminal background checks

Must be eligible to work in a licensed senior living or care facility and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements

Must be willing to submit to drug screening when required by policy or regulation

Must maintain current First Aid certification as required by the facility

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English sufficient to perform job duties and ensure resident safety.

Key competencies:

Leadership and team support in a hospitality setting

Resident-centered service mindset

Food safety and sanitation compliance

Time management and organizational skills

Attention to detail and quality assurance

Communication and teamwork

Problem-solving and adaptability

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Professionalism and dependability

Education/experience/skills:

High school diploma or GED preferred

Must be at least 18 years of age

Previous experience as a cook, line cook, or lead cook in healthcare, senior living, hospitality, or institutional food service preferred

Knowledge of food preparation techniques, commercial kitchen operations, and food service equipment

Understanding of dietary restrictions and therapeutic diets in a senior care setting preferred

Ability to work in a structured environment with regulatory compliance requirements.

Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Physical requirements:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Bend, stoop, reach, twist, and maintain balance while performing kitchen tasks.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements required for food preparation.
• Work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot kitchens, ovens, and refrigerated areas.
• Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and effectively.