Chef - Culinary Services

Park Village Pines; Oshtemo Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Village Pines seeks an experienced Chef to lead kitchen operations for residents, ensuring safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that respect dietary needs while promoting dignity and quality of life. You will manage menus, staff, and food safety, collaborating with dietary teams to tailor meals and maintain a high standard of service.

The role requires leadership, culinary expertise, and a compassionate approach to elder care, with flexibility for shifts including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts degree, certification, or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.
• Two or more years of commercial culinary experience; senior living, healthcare, or hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience required.
• Current Food Safety Manager or Food Handler certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the employer’s required timeframe.
• Working knowledge of high-volume food production, modified diets, allergens, portion control, sanitation, and safe equipment use.
• Ability to read recipes, diet instructions, production sheets, labels, safety information, and to complete basic calculations.
• Dependable attendance, sound judgment, respectful communication, and a service-focused attitude toward older adults.
• Ability to regularly stand and walk for extended periods and to bend, reach, push, and pull.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and prepare menus and meals in accordance with resident needs, dietary requirements, food safety standards, production goals, and appropriate portion sizes.
• Follow all dietary guidelines, including physician-ordered diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and thickened-liquid requirements.
• Ensure meals are served in a timely manner, are visually appealing, and meet quality standards.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, safety, and food handling practices in compliance with health regulations.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, training, and a positive work environment.
• Monitor inventory levels, manage food supplies responsibly, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and dietary staff to accommodate individual resident needs and preferences.
• Uphold hospitality standards by providing courteous and respectful service to residents during mealtimes.

Skills

Leadership

Food preparation

Dietary management

Nutrition knowledge

Communication

Cerification in food safety

Flexibility

Attentive to detail

Team management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts degree/certification

Job description

Description

Join our dedicated team as a Chef and help deliver safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that enhance our residents' quality of life. In this vital role, you will lead the kitchen operations with a focus on resident satisfaction, dietary compliance, and team collaboration. Your expertise will help create a welcoming dining experience that honors individual preferences and dietary needs while promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life for all residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and prepare menus and meals in accordance with resident needs, dietary requirements, food safety standards, production goals, and appropriate portion sizes.
• Follow all dietary guidelines, including physician-ordered diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and thickened-liquid requirements.
• Ensure meals are served in a timely manner, are visually appealing, and meet quality standards.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, safety, and food handling practices in compliance with health regulations.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, training, and a positive work environment.
• Monitor inventory levels, manage food supplies responsibly, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and dietary staff to accommodate individual resident needs and preferences.
• Uphold hospitality standards by providing courteous and respectful service to residents during mealtimes.

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in food preparation, preferably in a healthcare, senior living, or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions, texture-modified diets, and food allergy management.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and dietary instructions accurately.
• Good communication skills and a compassionate approach to resident care.
• Certification in food safety or culinary arts is preferred.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.

We foster a culture of respect, growth, and community, offering opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference through your culinary expertise and compassionate service.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts degree, certification, or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.
• Two or more years of commercial culinary experience; senior living, healthcare, or hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience required.
• Current Food Safety Manager or Food Handler certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the employer’s required timeframe.
• Working knowledge of high-volume food production, modified diets, allergens, portion control, sanitation, and safe equipment use.
• Ability to read recipes, diet instructions, production sheets, labels, safety information, and to complete basic calculations.
• Dependable attendance, sound judgment, respectful communication, and a service-focused attitude toward older adults.
• Ability to regularly stand and walk for extended periods and to bend, reach, push, and pull.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand motions and work near heat, steam, sharp utensils, wet floors, and cleaning products.