Cook

Bethea Retirement; Darlington, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Work-Life Balance

RAIN Earned Wage Access

Comprehensive Benefits

Paid Time Off

Retirement: 401(k) with employer match

Supportive Culture

Job summary

Bethea Retirement Community in Darlington, SC is seeking a Full-Time Cook to join our Culinary Services team. You will prepare high-quality meals according to planned menus and dietary guidelines for residents.

Join a compassionate kitchen where presentation, food safety, and timely service matter. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture under Oakdale Seniors Alliance. This role emphasizes resident satisfaction and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years cooking experience in a healthcare facility, senior living community, restaurant, or commercial kitchen setting.
• Follow standardized recipes, manage food production timing.
• Knowledge of ServSafe principles and proper sanitation practices.
• Strong work ethic, punctual attendance, and a friendly attitude around residents.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation & Execution: Prepare and cook meals per planned menus, recipes, and dietary specs.
• Therapeutic & Special Diets: Accommodate clinical diet orders with proper portion controls.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness, temperature controls, and standards per health regulations.
• Kitchen & Inventory Support: Review menus, label/dating, and report equipment or supply needs.
• Hospitality & Plating: Plate and serve meals attractively and on schedule.

Skills

Healthcare kitchen experience

Food safety

Team attitude

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.