Chef
Department: Dietary Services
Position Summary
The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious, appetizing, and visually appealing meals for residents in an Assisted Living and Memory Care Community. The Chef ensures meals meet dietary requirements, food safety standards, and resident preferences while creating a welcoming dining experience that promotes health, dignity, and quality of life.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and special event meals according to established menus.
- Prepare meals that meet physician orders, therapeutic diets, and special dietary needs, including diabetic, low-sodium, mechanical soft, and pureed diets.
- Ensure food is prepared with proper portion control, taste, presentation, and consistency.
- Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations, including food sanitation and infection control standards.
- Monitor food quality, freshness, storage temperatures, and inventory levels.
- Order food and kitchen supplies while managing departmental budgets and minimizing waste.
- Supervise and train dietary staff in food preparation, sanitation, safety, and customer service.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and report repair needs promptly.
- Work collaboratively with nursing, resident care, and leadership teams to accommodate dietary changes and resident needs.
- Participate in menu planning with consideration for resident feedback, cultural preferences, and seasonal offerings.
- Assist with holiday meals, themed dining events, and special celebrations.
- Follow emergency preparedness procedures related to dietary services.
- Promote a positive dining atmosphere by treating residents, families, visitors, and team members with dignity and respect.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of culinary experience required; experience in healthcare, assisted living, long-term care, or memory care preferred.
- Current Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) preferred or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
- Knowledge of therapeutic diets and nutrition for older adults is preferred.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift, push, and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Ability to tolerate heat, cold, steam, and kitchen noise.
Work Environment
- Commercial kitchen within an Assisted Living and Memory Care Community.
- Requires weekend, holiday, and occasional evening availability.
- Frequent interaction with residents, family members, healthcare professionals, and vendors.
Core Competencies
- Resident-centered service
- Food safety and sanitation
- Culinary excellence
- Team leadership
- Organization and efficiency
- Compassion and patience
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Integrity and accountability
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sunburst Community Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
