Dietary Cook

About the role

Community: Southern Oaks (Skilled Nursing / Assisted Living) in Henderson, TN. Shifts: Days/Evenings. Employment: Full-time, part-time, PRN.

Step into a role where your culinary expertise makes a daily difference in our residents’ lives. This is a great opportunity to showcase your cooking talents while enhancing the quality of life and wellness of our residents in a warm, hospitality-focused community.

Americare Senior Living is seeking a dependable and service-minded Dietary Cook to prepare nutritious, home-style meals that support the health, comfort, and enjoyment of our residents. In this role, you’ll play a key part in creating a positive dining experience while maintaining high standards of food quality, sanitation, and safety.

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals in accordance with dietician-approved menus, resident dietary needs, and applicable health and safety regulations. This role supports a welcoming, home-like dining environment while upholding Americare’s standards and values. This role may also be known as Dietary Cook, Cook, Food Service Cook, or Kitchen Cook.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for residents, visitors, and staff in a timely manner
• Follow dietician-approved menus while accommodating individual resident dietary needs
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, dining areas, and food storage spaces
• Store, label, and organize food safely in accordance with food safety guidelines
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Set up and clear dining areas before and after meals
• Safely operate kitchen appliances and equipment
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and professional conduct standards
• Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Grade school education required
• Previous experience in quantity food production preferred, especially in a healthcare or senior living setting

Skills

• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines
• Attention to cleanliness, food safety, and detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with dietary and care teams
• Dependable, organized, and service-oriented approach

Physical Demands

• Stand, sit, walk, and change positions frequently
• Lift or carry up to 25 lbs.; push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Use hands and arms to reach, balance, kneel, stoop, and bend
• Safely operate kitchen appliances, tools, and equipment

Safety Requirements

• Use carts when transporting food and supplies
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling knives, sharp objects, and hot surfaces
• Wear skid-resistant, supportive footwear to prevent slips and falls
• Report work-related injuries within 12 hours and complete required documentation
• Participate in company drug testing procedures

Pay

Starting at $12.50–$13.50 per hour.

Schedule

Shifts available: Days and Evenings. Employment types: Full-time, part-time, and PRN.

Benefits

• Recognition and Appreciation: meaningful shout-outs and recognition
• Family Atmosphere: close-knit community where everyone feels at home
• Paid Time Off: competitive PTO plan
• Daily Access to Wages: flexibility to access your pay whenever you need it
• Complimentary Meals: free meals while you work
• Tuition Assistance: support for educational pursuits
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and long-term disability
• Earn More: competitive pay and annual wage increases based on performance
• 401(k) Plan: company contributions
• Impactful Work: make a difference daily, receive plenty of hugs, put smiles on residents’ faces
• Supportive Community: compassionate team that values teamwork and respect
• Career Growth: opportunities to