Cook

Better Living; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO & holidays

401(k) matching

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Better Living in Iowa is seeking a compassionate Cook to prepare high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. You will manage batch cooking, dietary needs, and safe handling, ensuring nutritious, appealing meals served on time in a clean kitchen.

The role requires genuine cooking experience beyond fast food, ability to follow recipes, and a friendly, resident-focused demeanor.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food).
• Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes.
• Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor.
• Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods.
• Must pass background checks and meet state requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu.
• Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.).
• Ensure meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered.
• Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service.
• Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas.
• Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards.
• Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs.
• Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner.
• Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team.
• Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests.
• Representing the community with professionalism and warmth.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations.
• Maintain required food handler certifications.
• Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining.
• Participate in required training and continuing education.

Skills

Cooking

Meal planning

Food safety

Team collaboration

Time management

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Food storage systems

Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits

• Compensation:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401 (K) matching
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience — not just fast-food or short-order work — who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime in a senior living environment. The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Service

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu
• Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.)
• Ensuring meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered
• Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service

Kitchen Operations

• Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas
• Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards
• Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs

Resident & Team Engagement

• Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner
• Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team
• Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests
• Representing the community with professionalism and warmth

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations
• Maintain required food handler certifications
• Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining
• Participate in required training and continuing education

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food)
• Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes

Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.

Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently

Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor

Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods

Must pass background checks and meet state requirements

What Success Looks Like

• Residents enjoy meals that feel home-cooked, consistent, and comforting
• The kitchen is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
• Mealtimes run smoothly with minimal delays

The Cook is reliable, calm under pressure, and a positive presence on weekends

Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen operations

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, and local laws.