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 nutritious meals for residents in accordance with dietary guidelines and physician orders, while maintaining sanitation and safety in a long-term care setting. Responsibilities include cooking per recipes, portioning meals, adhering to infection control, and collaborating with dietary staff to ensure resident satisfaction.

The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays; paid time off, 401(k), and training opportunities

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous cook experience in long-term care, healthcare, or commercial kitchen required.
• Knowledge of special diets, texture modifications, and IDPH dietary compliance.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, and diet orders.
• Must pass background checks per IDPH requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and resident diet plans.
• Ensure meals are prepared, portioned, and served on time for scheduled meal periods.
• Maintain sanitation and safety practices per IDPH and facility regulations.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report malfunctions promptly.
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and storing food following FIFO guidelines.
• Keep kitchen clean and organized, including prep areas and storage spaces.
• Follow infection control procedures and dietary restrictions.
• Collaborate with dietary staff to ensure meal quality and resident satisfaction.
• Participate in mandatory trainings and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Administrator.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Fast-paced environment

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ServSafe certification

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