Chef

Hickory Senior Living Management, LLC; Ocean Springs (MS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kitchen Chef at Hickory Senior Living Management, LLC is responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for residents, following approved menus and dietary requirements while upholding food safety, sanitation, and presentation standards.

You will work with the Kitchen Manager and dining services to ensure meals meet texture-modified diets when needed, maintain proper temperatures, train staff, and keep a clean, organized kitchen that supports a welcoming dining experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary degree or certification preferred but not required.
• Previous cooking experience in healthcare or senior living settings preferred.
• Knowledge of special diets and modified textures preferred.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and dietary instructions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to approved menus and recipes.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, visually appealing, properly seasoned, and served at proper temperatures.
• Follow dietary requirements, including physician-ordered diets.
• Prepare meals and snacks for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Maintain proper food temperatures and complete required temperature logs.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Label, date, rotate, and store all food products using FIFO procedures.
• Assist with menu preparation and input on resident preferences and seasonal menus.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Minimize food waste and practice appropriate portion control.
• Communicate effectively with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.
• Report equipment malfunctions, food shortages, and safety concerns.
• Assist with training and mentoring kitchen staff as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state and federal health department regulations.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree or certification

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Chef

8 hour shifts

Full Time

Position Summary:

The Kitchen Chef is responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals for residents while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and presentation. The Kitchen Chef works closely with the Kitchen Manager and dining services team to ensure meals are prepared according to established menus, dietary requirements, and resident preferences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus, standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
• Ensure all meals are nutritious, visually appealing, properly seasoned, and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Follow special dietary requirements, including diabetic, low sodium, mechanical soft, pureed, and other physician-ordered diets.
• Prepare meals and snacks for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Maintain proper food temperatures and complete required temperature logs.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store all food products using FIFO procedures
• Assist with menu preparation and provide input on resident preferences and seasonal menus.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including workstations, equipment refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
• Minimize food waste and practice appropriate portion control.
• Communicate effectively with servers, kitchen staff, and management to ensure smooth meal service.
• Assist with receiving and properly storing food deliveries.
• Report equipment malfunctions, food shortages, and safety concerns to management.
• Assist with training and mentoring kitchen staff as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state and federal health department regulations.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Culinary degree or certification preferred but not required.
• Previous cooking experience in a healthcare, senior living. restaurant, hotel, or institutional setting preferred.
• Knowledge of special diets and modified food textures preferred.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and dietary instructions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and dietary instructions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift supplies and equipment.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipments.

Key expectations:

The Kitchen Chef is expected to provide meals that resident look forward to while maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming diner experience. Compassion, patience, teamwork, and attention to detail, are essential when serving seniors, especially residents with memory care needs.