Dietary Cook

About the Role

Americare Senior Living is seeking a dependable and team-oriented Dietary Cook to prepare nutritious, home-style meals for residents in our skilled nursing community. In this role, you'll play an essential part in supporting resident health, comfort, and quality of life through safe food preparation and a positive dining experience.

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with dietician-approved menus, resident dietary needs, and all applicable health, safety, and sanitation guidelines. This role supports a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment while collaborating with the dietary and care teams to deliver high-quality service.

This Role May Also Be Known As: Dietary Cook, Cook, Food Service Cook, or Kitchen Cook.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and beverages for residents, visitors, and staff in a timely manner
• Follow dietician-approved menus and accommodate individual resident dietary needs
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food storage areas
• Store, label, and organize food in a safe and sanitary manner
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Set and clear tables before and after meals
• Safely operate kitchen appliances and equipment
• Ensure work areas, utensils, and equipment are maintained in a sanitary and safe condition
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and professional conduct standards
• Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Continuing education related to dietary services is a plus
• Previous experience in quantity food production preferred, especially in a healthcare or skilled nursing setting
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations
• Familiarity with lock-out/tag-out procedures and use of personal protective equipment

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines
• Strong attention to food safety, sanitation, and detail
• Dependable, organized, and service-oriented mindset

Physical Demands

• Stand, sit, walk, and change positions frequently
• Lift or carry up to 50 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, supplies, and equipment
• 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

Work Environment

This role is performed in a professional kitchen environment that includes the use of stoves, knives, dishwashers, walk-in refrigerators and coolers, trash receptacles, and other job-specific equipment. The environment is indoors with adequate lighting and ventilation.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay + annual increases
• Daily pay access (get paid when you need it)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance and career growth opportunities
• Free meals during shifts
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

Benefits may vary based on full-time, part-time, or PRN status.