Cafe Cook

LifeSpire of Virginia; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeSpire of Virginia’s Lakewood community in Richmond is seeking a dependable Cook to join our dining services team. You’ll prepare and coordinate meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while keeping food safety, cleanliness, and service excellence at the forefront in a healthcare kitchen.

We value strong organization, reliability, and teamwork as you read production sheets, manage special diets, and ensure timely service for residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in food service or healthcare setting preferred but not required.
• Ability to read production sheets and meal tickets.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner using production sheets.
• Organize meal tickets and accommodate special diets.
• Maintain steam table and ensure proper temperatures.
• Rotate inventory using FIFO to keep par levels adequate.
• Keep serving lines and work areas clean and stocked; report issues.
• Follow food safety and sanitation policies; work with the team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong organization

Teamwork

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Lakewood | Richmond, VA

A LifeSpire of Virginia Community

Make a Difference Through Every Meal

At LifeSpire of Virginia, we believe senior living is about more than providing care — it’s about creating meaningful experiences and helping older adults live vibrant, fulfilling lives.

Lakewood, a LifeSpire of Virginia community in Richmond, is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Cook to join our dining services team. In this role, you’ll help ensure residents receive accurate, timely, and high-quality meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

The Cook is responsible for preparing and coordinating meal service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while maintaining food safety, organization, cleanliness, and excellent service in the kitchen.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and organize the serving line for breakfast, lunch, and dinner using production sheets and meal tickets.
• Organize meal tickets and ensure all special diet items and meal modifications are prepared correctly before service.
• Prepare and maintain the steam table, ensuring proper water levels and temperatures.
• Ensure hot boxes are plugged in, preheated, and ready for service.
• Check and document refrigerator temperatures after each meal service in accordance with food safety and healthcare regulations.
• Check food temperatures, expiration dates, and product quality throughout each shift.
• Rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
• Maintain appropriate par levels of chicken salad, tuna salad, sliced deli meats, snacks, supplies, and serving utensils.
• Restock the kitchen and serving areas after each meal to ensure the department is prepared for the next service.
• Clean and sanitize the serving line, equipment, and workstation after each meal.
• Wipe down hot boxes after lunch and dinner service.
• Return dishes to the kitchen after breakfast and lunch and wash dinner service dishes as assigned.
• Report equipment issues, food shortages, safety concerns, or other problems to the appropriate manager or supervisor.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, infection control, and healthcare dietary policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the dining services team to ensure meals are served accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is dependable, organized, and takes pride in creating a clean, efficient, and welcoming dining environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• The ability to read production sheets and meal tickets and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong time management and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• A dependable, punctual, and customer-service-oriented approach.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing to a team.

Previous food service, dietary, or healthcare experience is preferred, but not required.

What Success Looks Like

• Meals are prepared and served accurately and on time.
• Special diets and meal modifications are handled correctly.
• Food temperatures and sanitation standards are consistently maintained.
• Serving areas and workstations remain clean, organized, and fully stocked.
• Kitchen equipment is properly prepared before service and cleaned afterward.
• Food safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements are consistently followed.
• Residents receive a positive and enjoyable dining experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous food service, dietary, or healthcare experience preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to read production sheets, meal tickets, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare kitchen environment.

Why Join Lakewood?

At Lakewood, you’ll be part of a team that understands the importance of hospitality, service, and community. Every meal is an opportunity to make a positive difference in a resident’s day.

Join LifeSpire of Virginia and help us create exceptional experiences for the older adults we are honored to serve.