Healthcare Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations, including meal preparation, menu planning, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures that all meals meet nutritional standards, dietary requirements, and quality expectations, particularly in healthcare or senior living environments.
Key Responsibilities
Food Service & Culinary Operations
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Plan, prepare, and oversee daily meal service in accordance with approved menus
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Ensure high-quality food presentation, taste, and consistency
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Modify meals to accommodate special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, texture-modified diets)
Nutrition & Compliance
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Ensure all meals meet state, federal, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CMS, local health departments)
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Collaborate with Registered Dietitians to meet residents’/patients’ dietary needs
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Maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe, HACCP, etc.)
Leadership & Staff Management
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Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen and dietary staff
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Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment
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Monitor staff performance and provide coaching as needed
Inventory & Budget Management
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Manage food inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
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Control food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards
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Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of food products
Quality & Customer Experience
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Monitor resident/patient satisfaction and address concerns
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Ensure timely and efficient meal service
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Participate in audits and inspections
Qualifications
Required
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Must obtain a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential (ANFP or equivalent)
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Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
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3–5+ years of experience in food service, preferably in healthcare or senior living
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Supervisory or management experience in a kitchen environment
Preferred
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Culinary training or Chef certification
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Experience working with clinical diets and nutrition programs
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Knowledge of healthcare regulations and survey processes
Skills & Competencies
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Strong leadership and team management skills
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Knowledge of nutrition, therapeutic diets, and food safety standards
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Excellent organizational and time management abilities
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Budgeting and cost control experience
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Work Environment
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Healthcare facility, assisted living, or institutional food service setting
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Requires standing for extended periods and working in a kitchen environment
Restaura, part of the Phoenix3 Collective portfolio, is a leading hospitality and culinary culture specialized in food and dining management services. Through its dedication to innovation and exceptional service, Restaura is setting new standards for food and dining management services in senior living and active aging communities. Restaura leverages state-of-the-art technology, data analytics, and forward-thinking strategies to craft dining experiences and business solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Restaura combines the latest advancements in nutrition science, culinary artistry, and hospitality to create truly extraordinary experiences. More information about Restaura can be found at Restaura | The Future of Senior Living Dining
Don’t meet ALL the requirements but think you have the ability and determination to have an impact in this role? Let us know! Data shows that diverse candidates may be less likely to apply when they do not think they meet all the job requirements, but very few successful candidates possess all the requested skills and experiences. We are a culture of learners, and we want culture accelerators who are willing to learn and grow. If you think that is you and this role fits with your career aspirations, give it a shot!
