Cook

Messiah Lifeways; Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Messiah Lifeways is seeking a Full-Time Cook to join our Dining Services team in Mechanicsburg, PA. The role supports nutritious meals for residents with a focus on safety, sanitation, and presentation.

Expect a 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM schedule, with every other weekend and holidays as scheduled. You will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner, follow standardized recipes, and ensure dietary needs are met while maintaining a safe, clean kitchen environment and working closely with dining and nursing

Qualifications

• Graduate of culinary school or 1–2 years cooking experience in a health care setting, restaurant or dining facility.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and menus.
• Attention to nutrition, food safety, and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for residents and staff.
• Follow standardized recipes to ensure quality and consistency.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Prepare ingredients and organize workstation before each meal period.
• Assist with labeling, dating, rotating, and storing food products.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Cook# CookMessiah Lifeways - Mechanicsburg, PA 17055## OverviewSalary Range$18.00 - $22.50 HourlyPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftDayCategoryOther## DescriptionMessiah Lifeways is looking for a Full-Time Cook to join their Dining Services team! **Schedule:** 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM - every other weekend, all holidays as scheduled.Bring your culinary skills to a place where every meal can make a difference. At Messiah Lifeways, our cooks do more than prepare food — they help create comfort, connection, and enjoyable dining experiences for the older adults we serve.If you take pride in preparing delicious, high-quality food and enjoy making a positive difference through hospitality and service, we'd love to meet you! **What You'll Do**As a Cook, you'll prepare nutritious, appealing, and high-quality meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and resident service.Preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents, guests, and team members* Following standardized recipes and established menus to ensure consistency and quality* Preparing meals that meet residents' dietary needs, preferences, and prescribed modifications* Preparing ingredients and organizing your workstation before each meal period* Cooking and portioning food according to established quality and nutritional standards* Paying close attention to food texture, temperature, presentation, and portion sizes* Preparing food in a way that supports the dignity and dining preferences of older adults* Properly labeling, dating, rotating, and storing food products* Following all food safety, sanitation, and infection-control procedures* Safely operating commercial kitchen equipment* Monitoring food quality and reporting concerns to the Chef on Duty* Communicating inventory and product needs* Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen* Completing cleaning and closing duties* Working closely with dining, nursing, and other team members to help ensure residents receive the meals and service they need **The Senior Living Difference**Working as a cook in senior living is about more than getting meals out on time. You have an opportunity to make someone's day better through food.Our residents may have different dietary requirements, food preferences, cultural traditions, and nutritional needs. You'll play an important role in helping ensure each meal is safe, nourishing, appealing, and served with care.Whether you're preparing a favorite comfort food, a therapeutic diet, or a beautifully presented meal, what you do matters. **What We're Looking For**The ideal candidate:* Has a genuine passion for cooking and preparing quality meals* Understands the importance of nutrition, food safety, and sanitation* Takes pride in food quality, presentation, and consistency* Enjoys serving and interacting with older adults* Is patient, compassionate, and respectful* Works well as part of a team* Can stay organized and efficient during busy meal periods* Pays close attention to recipes, dietary requirements, and details* Is dependable, flexible, and willing to work in a variety of kitchen settingsPrevious cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, restaurants, hotels, schools, or other institutional kitchens is preferred but not required. **Grow Your Culinary Career**At Messiah Lifeways, we're committed to developing our team members and creating opportunities to grow.**Career advancement opportunities may include:*** Lead Cook* Sous Chef* Chef on Duty* Dining Services Leadership **Why Messiah Lifeways?**At Messiah Lifeways, our dining team is an important part of our mission to enhance the lives of older adults through hospitality, service, nutrition, and compassionate care.Team members enjoy:* A mission-driven community where your work truly matters* Supportive teammates and leaders who want you to succeed* Paid training and opportunities to grow your skills* Career growth opportunities within the organization* A workplace built on kindness, teamwork, and connection* Comprehensive benefits available for eligible Full-Time employees** Your Cooking Can Make a Difference**If you're looking for a culinary position where your work is about more than just preparing the next meal, come be part of a team where food, hospitality, and compassion come together.Bring your skills, passion, and heart to the kitchen. Apply today and discover where your passion for cooking can grow at Messiah Lifeways!## Qualifications* Graduate of culinary school or have 1 to 2 years cooking experience in a health care setting, restaurant or dining facility