Dining Services Specialist

About the role

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. This position supervises and directs the food service program in assigned communities.

Responsibilities

• Schedule staff on an ongoing basis (schedule will be posted at least two weeks in advance)
• Plan and implement a menu cycle that will be well-received by the residents and features seasonal menu items
• Keep food and supply costs within budget
• Maintain good communication with all vendors
• Responsible for maintaining, ordering and accounting for food inventories necessary to complete duties
• Instruct all employees on operation, maintenance and cleaning of all kitchen equipment
• Exhibit thorough knowledge of all food service positions and provide hands-on training to staff
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly
• Handle food in a safe and appropriate manner
• Provide cook coverage when unable to find necessary staff coverage (on-call duties)
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining services shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs
• Recruit and hire new dining service staff
• Orientate new dining service staff or those needing extra assistance
• Maintain and promote healthy relationships between staff and families
• Assist Executive Director with monthly staff in-service meetings as requested and on committees as appointed
• Aid in Sales/Marketing procedures to develop and enhance satisfaction levels, as well as participate in resident sales, tours and community needs when required
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of dining experience in a senior care community with proven leadership and organizational skills, state required food preparation license required
• Collaborative team player able to establish effective working relationships with team members
• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring of dining services team experience
• Demonstrated experience in promoting a high level of customer service and hospitality towards and among all residents, associates, and visitors
• Sound organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and with a strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated to accomplish goals with a strong sense of accountability for results
• Demonstrated communication excellence, verbally and in writing; comfortable presenting to large groups
• Described as dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Possess an appreciation of seniors and an understanding of the aging process
• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

Education and/or Experience

• 2-5 years of dining leadership experience (restaurants, hotels, country clubs, senior living communities OR accredited culinary training and 4-6 years of culinary experience)
• Food safety manager certification, required
• Applicable State licensure, required

Other Qualifications

• Must possess a general knowledge of laws and restrictions regarding Assisted Living care, as well as a solid understanding of opportunities and limits of other levels of care within senior living
• Must exhibit and promote a high level of customer service, hospitality, curiosity and friendliness towards all prospects, residents, visitors, employees and the overall community
• Must possess valid driver’s license and vehicle

Physical Demands

To perform this mission successfully, an individual should possess the physical ability to lift/move 50lbs, maintain a stationary position, move freely, operate equipment, ascend/descend freely, position self to reach equipment above or below normal standing height, and communicate with team members, residents, and residents’ family members.