Cook

Northbrook Health and Rehab; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) or retirement plan

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Northbrook Health and Rehab is seeking a Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents in a long-term care setting. You will follow therapeutic and texture-modified diets, manage portioning, and ensure timely service with strict sanitation standards.

Responsibilities include maintaining clean facilities, following safety guidelines, and collaborating with dietary staff to uphold meal quality and resident satisfaction. Prior training or experience in healthcare kitchens is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience as a cook in long-term care, healthcare, or commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of special diets, texture modifications, and long-term care dietary compliance (IDPH standards).
• Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, and diet orders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Must be able to lift 25–35 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive motions.
• ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and resident diet plans (including therapeutic and texture-modified diets).
• Ensure all food is prepared, portioned, and served on time for scheduled meal periods.
• Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety practices in accordance with IDPH, federal, and facility regulations.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and tools; report any malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and storing food and supplies following FIFO guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen, including food prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces.
• Follow infection control procedures and adhere to resident allergy and dietary restriction requirements.
• Collaborate with dietary staff to ensure consistent meal quality and outstanding resident satisfaction.
• Participate in mandatory staff trainings, in-services, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Administrator.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Time-management skills

Reading recipes

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServSafe certification (preferred)

Job description

The Cook at Northbrook Health and Rehab plays a vital role in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for our residents in accordance with dietary guidelines, physician orders, and facility policies. This position is responsible for preparing and serving meals while maintaining the highest standards of sanitation, food safety, and customer service in a long-term care environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and resident diet plans (including therapeutic and texture-modified diets).
• Ensure all food is prepared, portioned, and served on time for scheduled meal periods.
• Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety practices in accordance with IDPH, federal, and facility regulations.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and tools; report any malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and storing food and supplies following FIFO guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen, including food prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces.
• Follow infection control procedures and adhere to resident allergy and dietary restriction requirements.
• Collaborate with dietary staff to ensure consistent meal quality and outstanding resident satisfaction.
• Participate in mandatory staff trainings, in-services, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Administrator.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience as a cook in long-term care, healthcare, or commercial kitchen required.
• Knowledge of special diets, texture modifications, and long-term care dietary compliance (IDPH standards).
• Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, and diet orders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Must be able to lift at least 25–35 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive motions.
• Must pass background checks per Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requirements.
• ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Schedule Requirements

• Full-time position requiring flexible availability.
• Must be able to work evenings/nights, weekends, and rotating holidays, based on facility needs.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) or retirement plan
• Training and advancement opportunities