cook

Vista Ridge Senior Care; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Vista Ridge Senior Care in Austin, TX is seeking a dependable Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents, following prescribed diets and safety standards. The role emphasizes teamwork with dietary staff and nursing personnel while maintaining cleanliness and proper portion control.

The ideal candidate has prior cooking experience, healthcare kitchen exposure is a plus, and Texas Food Handler certification is required or must be obtained.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience required; healthcare setting experience preferred.
• Texas Food Handler certification required or must be obtained within the applicable timeframe.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to approved menus and resident dietary requirements.
• Follow therapeutic diets, modified textures, and special dietary instructions as directed by dietary staff.
• Ensure proper food portions and meal quantities to minimize food waste.
• Maintain proper food temperatures during preparation, storage, and service.
• Follow all food safety, infection control, and sanitation procedures.
• Label, date, rotate, and store food according to FIFO guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and equipment.
• Monitor food inventory and communicate supply shortages to the Dietary Manager.
• Follow established meal schedules to ensure residents receive meals on time.
• Wear PPE and practice proper hand hygiene.
• Assist with cleaning, dishwashing, and other dietary department duties.
• Report food safety concerns and equipment malfunctions to management.
• Comply with Texas Health and Human Services, CMS, and facility standards.
• Work cooperatively with dietary staff, nursing personnel, and facility leadership.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Teamwork

Time management

Job description

ista Ridge Senior Care is seeking a dependable, experienced, and compassionate Cook to join our Dietary Services team. The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals to residents while following prescribed diets, food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and facility policies.

The ideal candidate is organized, reliable, works well in a team environment, and understands the importance of providing quality meals to residents in a skilled nursing facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to approved menus and resident dietary requirements.
• Follow therapeutic diets, modified food textures, and special dietary instructions as directed by the Dietary Manager and nursing staff.
• Ensure proper food portions and meal quantities to minimize unnecessary food waste.
• Maintain proper food temperatures during preparation, storage, and service.
• Follow all food safety, infection control, and sanitation procedures.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food according to FIFO (First In, First Out) guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, including cooking equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and food preparation areas.
• Monitor food inventory and communicate supply shortages to the Dietary Manager.
• Follow established meal schedules to ensure residents receive meals on time.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves when appropriate, and practice proper hand hygiene.
• Assist with cleaning, dishwashing, and other dietary department duties as needed.
• Report food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, and dietary issues immediately to management.
• Comply with applicable Texas Health and Human Services, CMS, and facility food service standards.
• Work cooperatively with dietary staff, nursing personnel, and facility leadership.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience required; experience in a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, portion control, and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes, menus, and special dietary instructions.
• Texas Food Handler certification required or must be obtained within the applicable timeframe.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.
• Must meet applicable background screening and employment requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25-50 pounds, with assistance when needed.
• Ability to work around hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, and refrigerated storage areas.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.

Work Schedule

• Must have flexible availability, including weekends and holidays.
• Must report to scheduled shifts on time and maintain reliable attendance.
• Schedule determined by facility operational needs.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a team member who takes pride in preparing quality meals, maintains a clean and safe kitchen, minimizes food waste, and understands that proper nutrition is an essential part of resident care.

Vista Ridge Senior Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.