Dietary Cook

Community: The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace – a Skilled Nursing community in Columbia, MO.

About the role

The Dietary Cook prepares nutritious, home-style meals for residents in our skilled-nursing setting. You’ll support resident health, comfort, and quality of life through safe food preparation and a positive dining experience.

This role may also be known as Dietary Cook, Cook, Food Service Cook, or Kitchen Cook.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impactful Work: make a difference every day, receive plenty of hugs, and put smiles on residents’ faces
• Supportive Community: part of a compassionate team that values teamwork and respect
• Career Growth: opportunities to advance professionally and personally
• Fun and Engaging Environment: work hard and have fun in an inclusive setting where you’ll create lasting friendships
• Work-Life Balance: flexible scheduling options that fit your life

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 development
• 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

Pay

$17–$18.50 per hour

Schedule

Part-time, day shifts available