Cook

Apple Valley Place - Clear Lake; Clear Lake (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401 (K) matching

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Better Living is seeking a Cook to prepare high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. The role emphasizes batch cooking, dietary needs, safe handling, and mealtime as a community activity, with responsibility for timely service and a clean, organized kitchen.

The Cook will follow recipes, manage dietary requirements, and collaborate with the Dining Services team to ensure consistent, nutritious meals for residents who value dignity and thoughtful care.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurants 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 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 state requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu.
• Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are flavorful, appealing, and resident-centered; manage meal timing for smooth service.
• Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely; maintain sanitary storage areas.
• Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner; collaborate with Dining Services team.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations; maintain required certifications.

Skills

Cooking

Batch cooking

Food safety

Time management

Resident-focused

Physical stamina

Independence

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, or local laws.