Cook

Solera Senior Living; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement

Immediate pay

Tuition reimbursement

Medical benefits

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

EAP

Employee discounts

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Solera Senior Living in Evanston is seeking a Cook to join our dining team. The role emphasizes nutritious, high-quality meals and a warm, welcoming dining experience for residents.

As a full-time cook, you’ll prepare and present meals following recipes, maintain kitchen safety, and collaborate with the dietary team to accommodate residents’ needs while upholding our standards of compassion and quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years cooking experience in restaurant, senior living, or similar environment.
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary guidelines while maintaining consistency.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to make decisions independently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for working with seniors and making a difference in their lives.
• ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present meals following standardized recipes and dietary requirements.
• Ensure all meals meet quality, taste, and presentation expectations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, following all food safety regulations.
• Assist in menu planning and meal prep for daily meals and special events.
• Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management.
• Work with the dietary team to accommodate residents' special dietary needs and restrictions.
• Engage with residents to understand their dining preferences and create a welcoming experience.
• Inspect food storage areas to ensure proper stocking, labeling, and rotation of ingredients.
• Adhere to community and health department standards for food preparation and kitchen safety.
• Assist in training and supporting other kitchen team members as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Recipe adherence

Independent decision making

Seniors care passion

Sanitation standards

Education

ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit

Job description

Cook – Trulee Evanston

Shift Available:Full Time

Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook.

Love making a difference in the lives of seniors?

At Solera Senior Living, we are guided by our Core Values—Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Creativity which shape how we serve residents, support families, and work together as a team. As a Cook, you’ll play a vital role in creating nutritious, high-quality meals that bring comfort, connection, and enjoyment to our residents each day.

What Solera Offers You

• A growing company with opportunities for career advancement

• Immediate pay access — no more waiting for payday

• Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth

• Comprehensive medical benefits with discounted gym memberships

• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Perks and employee discount programs

• Supportive, team-oriented workplace culture

About the Role:

As a Cook, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality meals and ensuring a great dining experience for our residents.

Cook Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare, cook, and present meals following standardized recipes and dietary requirements.

• Ensure all meals meet quality, taste, and presentation expectations.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, following all food safety regulations.

• Assist in menu planning and meal prep for daily meals and special events.

• Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management.

• Work with the dietary team to accommodate residents' special dietary needs and restrictions.

• Engage with residents to understand their dining preferences and create a welcoming experience.

• Inspect food storage areas to ensure proper stocking, labeling, and rotation of ingredients.

• Adhere to community and health department standards for food preparation and kitchen safety.

• Assist in training and supporting other kitchen team members as needed.

Cook Qualifications:

• 2+ year of cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment.

• Ability to follow recipes and dietary guidelines while maintaining consistency.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

• Ability to make decisions independently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

• A passion for working with seniors and making a difference in their lives.

• ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit (or willingness to obtain).

At Trulee Evanston, we’ve partnered with Candid, an AI-powered virtual interviewer, to make the first step in our hiring process simple, convenient, and engaging for all candidates.

Solera Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.