Cook

Oakdalesa; Darlington (SC); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Work-Life Balance

Immediate Pay Access

Comprehensive Benefits

Paid Time Off

Retirement

Supportive Culture

Job summary

Oakdale Seniors Alliance (managing Bethea Retirement Community) is seeking a skilled Full-Time Cook to join our dining team in Darlington, SC. You will prepare high-quality meals according to planned menus and resident dietary guidelines, with pride in food presentation and meal service.

Qualified candidates have 1–2 years of cooking experience in healthcare or senior living settings, knowledge of therapeutic diets, and a commitment to clean, safe kitchen practices and resident-focused

Qualifications

• 1–2 years cooking experience in healthcare/senior living or kitchen.
• Able to follow standardized recipes and manage food production timing.
• Knowledge of ServSafe principles and proper sanitation.
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, friendly attitude around residents.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation and execution according to planned menus and dietary guidelines.
• Accommodate clinical diets with proper portions.
• Maintain cleanliness, temperature controls, and sanitation per health regs.
• Review menus, stock, labeling, and report equipment needs.
• Plate and serve meals attractively and on schedule.

Skills

Recipes & timing

Food safety practices

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Cook / Dietary Cook – Culinary Services

Location: Darlington, SC

Facility: Bethea Retirement Community

Job Type: Full-time

Management: Now proudly managed by Oakdale Seniors Alliance!

About Us

For decades, Bethea Retirement Community has been a trusted cornerstone of compassionate senior care in Darlington and the surrounding Pee Dee region. We are thrilled to share that Bethea is now managed by Oakdale Seniors Alliance!

Under this new leadership, our culture is deeply rooted in compassion, excellence, and genuine hospitality. We believe that mealtime is one of the most important parts of our residents' day. Our Culinary Services team takes pride in serving delicious, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals in a warm, welcoming environment.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled, passionate Full-Time Cook to join our dining team.

In this role, you will be responsible for preparing high-quality, flavorful meals according to planned daily menus and individualized resident dietary guidelines. If you love cooking, take pride in food presentation, and enjoy bringing joy to seniors through great food, we want you on our team!

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation & Execution: Prepare and cook delicious, high-quality meals and beverages in accordance with planned menus, standardized recipes, and dietary specs.

• Therapeutic & Special Diets: Ensure meal preparations accommodate specific clinical diet orders (e.g., low sodium, modified textures, pureed, mechanical soft) with proper portion controls.

• Food Safety & Sanitation: Maintain strict cleanliness, temperature monitoring, and food safety standards across all prep, cooking, and storage areas in compliance with health department regulations.

• Kitchen & Inventory Support: Review menus in advance to ensure adequate stock, assist with proper labeling/dating of food storage, and report equipment or supply needs to leadership.

• Hospitality & Plating: Plate and serve meals attractively and on schedule, ensuring our residents receive exceptional service every day.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of cooking experience in a healthcare facility, senior living community, restaurant, or commercial kitchen setting. Familiarity with clinical/therapeutic diets is a plus.

• Technical Skills: Ability to follow standardized recipes, manage food production timing, and operate standard commercial kitchen equipment safely.

• Food Safety: Knowledge of ServSafe principles, food temperature controls, and proper sanitation practices.

• The Heart: Strong work ethic, punctual attendance, and a genuine, friendly attitude around our senior residents.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.

• Work-Life Balance: Predictable full-time shifts with advance scheduling.

• Immediate Pay Access: Get paid before payday using the RAIN Earned Wage Access app!

• Comprehensive Benefits: Choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance packages.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid holiday packages.

• Retirement: 401(k) options with employer match.

• Supportive Culture: A welcoming kitchen environment backed by a leadership team that values your culinary craft.