Cook - Arete at Grande Ronde Retirement

Location: Arete at Grande Ronde - 1809 Gekeler Lane, La Grande, OR 97850

About the role

The Cook will prepare nutritious, flavorful meals for residents across varying levels of care. You will ensure compliance with dietary restrictions, maintain impeccable sanitation standards, and create a warm, dignified dining experience that feels like home.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring food is visually appealing, properly seasoned, and served at the correct temperature
• Prepare alternative menu options and snacks as needed for residents with changing appetites
• Adapt recipes to meet specific dietary needs (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and texture-modified diets like puréed or mechanical soft)
• Accommodate the unique dining challenges of memory care residents (e.g., finger foods, enhanced flavors, and flexible dining times)
• Create a calm, structured, and inviting dining environment that encourages socialization and appetite stimulation
• Adhere to strict food safety, handling, and storage regulations (ServSafe guidelines)
• Ensure the kitchen, prep areas, and dishwashing stations are cleaned and sanitized at the end of every shift
• Monitor and log food and refrigerator temperatures daily to guarantee quality control
• Maintain a resident-first approach, actively seeking feedback and building relationships to understand individual preferences
• Collaborate with the Dietary/Dining Services Director and nursing staff to ensure care plans align with resident diets
• Maintain the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and equipment maintenance in accordance with ServSafe and local health department codes
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 2-3 years of Cook experience; hospital or healthcare facility experience preferred
• Current ServSafe Manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions, paying close attention to details to follow and calculate recipes and production sheets
• Current Food Handlers card issued by local Health Department
• Demonstrated knowledge of high standards of food preparation, sanitation, hygienic methods of food preparation and storage, and safety
• Approximately one year of experience in quantity food preparation
• Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in setting up meals and utilizing leftovers
• Competency in operating kitchen equipment
• Interpersonal skills to establish effective relationships with department workers, supervisors, and other departments
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information
• A genuine desire to improve the quality of life for seniors
• Ability to create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low individual and family deductible (benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and premium pay for holidays worked (conditions apply)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs, and work/life balance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options, and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
• Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services