Dietary Cook

Community: Americare South Pointe
Community Type: Assisted Living and Memory Care
Location: Washington, MO
Shifts Available: 1st & 2nd shift
Employment Type: Full & Part-time and PRN
Pay: $16.00 to $16.75 hourly
Sign-on bonus: $500 for full-time, $250 for part-time

Why You’ll Love Working Here

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. South Pointe is currently expanding our dietary leadership team, and this opportunity may also be a great fit for individuals interested in serving as a Lead Cook or Dietary Manager. Candidates with culinary leadership, kitchen supervision, or food service management experience are encouraged to apply through this posting for consideration.

About the Role

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

Requirements

• 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 & Abilities

• 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

Benefits

• Recognition and appreciation with meaningful shout outs
• Family atmosphere in a close-knit community
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) plan
• Daily access to wages for flexibility
• Complimentary meals while you work
• Tuition assistance for career growth
• Comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-term Disability
• Competitive pay with annual wage increases based on performance
• 401(k) plan with company contributions

Why Join Americare?

• Impactful Work: Make a difference every day, receive plenty of hugs, and put a smile on the faces of our residents.
• Supportive Community: Be part of a compassionate team that truly values teamwork and respect.
• Career Growth: Exciting opportunities for professional and personal advancement, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro.
• Fun and Engaging Environment: Work hard and have fun in an inclusive environment where you'll create lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that fit your life.

Americare communities are more than just workplaces—they are family, where excellence thrives, people are empowered, and fun is part of the culture. We’ve been consistently certified as a Great Place to Work, ranked on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services, and named one of the 2025 Best Senior Living providers by U.S. News & World Report.