Cook

The Waters; Lake Farm Estates (TN); On-site; USD 19,286,000 - 24,797,000; Full time

Job summary

The Waters of Smyrna is seeking a Cook to join our compassionate health care team. You will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents, following dietary requirements and offering suitable alternatives to meet individual needs.

In this role, you’ll work with dietary and healthcare colleagues to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, and served with dignity. A high school diploma and care for older adults are valued, with opportunities to grow in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of dietary experience in healthcare preferred.
• Ability to prepare a variety of foods in large quantities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals following established menus and dietary requirements.
• Prepare food in large quantities while maintaining quality, taste, and presentation.
• Follow dietary restrictions and provide appropriate alternatives.
• Follow proper food preparation, sanitation, and hygienic practices.
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and food preparation area.
• Work cooperatively with dietary and healthcare team members.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, residents, and others as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and respect each individual's privacy.
• Demonstrate good judgment, initiative, and professionalism in daily activities.
• Help create a positive and welcoming dining experience for residents.

Skills

Dependable

Caring

Communication skills

Professional attitude

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Cook

The Waters of Smyrna

Join a compassionate healthcare team where your cooking skills make a meaningful difference every day. As a Cook, you'll prepare nutritious, delicious meals that support residents' health and well-being while working in a welcoming environment that values teamwork, quality, and your dedication to exceptional service.

If you enjoy cooking, take pride in preparing meals that others enjoy, and have a heart for serving older adults and individuals who need additional support, we would love to hear from you!

About the Position

As a Cook at The Waters of Smyrna, you will play an important role in creating enjoyable dining experiences for our residents. You will prepare and assist with breakfast, lunch, and dinner while following established dietary requirements and providing appropriate meal alternatives based on individual resident needs.

This is an opportunity to use your cooking skills in a rewarding healthcare environment where the meals you prepare are an important part of our residents' daily lives.

What You'll Do

• Prepare nutritious and appealing meals in accordance with established menus and dietary requirements.
• Prepare food in large quantities while maintaining quality, taste, and presentation.
• Follow special dietary restrictions and provide appropriate alternatives when needed.
• Follow proper food preparation, sanitation, and hygienic practices.
• Follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and food preparation area.
• Work cooperatively with dietary and healthcare team members.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, residents, and others as necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and respect each individual's privacy.
• Demonstrate good judgment, initiative, and professionalism in daily activities.
• Help create a positive and welcoming dining experience for residents.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is dependable, caring, and takes pride in their work. The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a cook; institutional cooking experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and hygienic methods.
• A sincere desire to work with older adults and individuals who may have limited capacity for self-care.
• The ability to work respectfully with individuals who have a wide range of personalities, needs, and levels of independence.
• The ability to follow verbal and written directions.
• Creative initiative and mature judgment when making appropriate decisions.
• A courteous, empathetic, and professional attitude.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• A professional appearance and demeanor.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to accommodate the needs of the work schedule.
• The mental and physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of dietary experience in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, healthcare facility, or related setting is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to prepare a variety of foods in large quantities.
• Knowledge of dietary procedures and food service practices.

Why Join Our Team?

At The Waters of Smyrna, the work you do matters. Every meal you prepare is an opportunity to bring comfort, nourishment, and enjoyment to someone else's day. We value team members who bring compassion, reliability, professionalism, and pride to their work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, this company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.