Cook

Avamere Skilled Advisors, LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Attendance bonus: up to $75–$100 per 1

Health Insurance: medical, dental, and

401(k) Retirement Plan with employer-m

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health Savings Account (HSA)/FSA

Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance

Job summary

Avamere Skilled Advisors, LLC is seeking a part-time/on-call Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents across varying levels of care at Avamere at Bethany in Portland, OR. You will ensure dietary restrictions are met, uphold sanitation standards, and create a warm, home-like dining experience.

The role requires 2–3 years of cook experience in healthcare settings, ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days), and strong attention to recipes, safety, and resident

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of Cook experience in hospital or healthcare setting.
• ServSafe Manager certification required or willingness to obtain within 30 days.
• Ability to read, write, and follow directions and measure recipes accurately.
• Current Food Handlers card per local health department.
• Strong sanitation and safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with proper temperature and appealing presentation.
• Prepare snacks and alternate options for residents with changing appetites.
• Adapt recipes for dietary needs (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, texture-modified).
• Support memory care residents with tailored dining experiences and flexible dining times.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety per ServSafe guidelines and health codes.

Skills

Cook experience

ServSafe certification

Healthcare setting

Job description

Cook

Type: Part-Time/On-Call (PRN)
Shift/Schedule: On-Call, All shifts available, Weekend availability needed
Wage: $18.89-24.65/hr DOE
Attendance bonus: The perfect attendance bonus in a pay period will be $100.00 for a full-time employee and $75.00 for a part-time employee.

Location: Avamere at Bethany - 16360 NW Avamere Ct, Portland, OR 97229

Job Summary

The Cook will be responsible for preparing nutritious, flavorful meals for residents across varying levels of care. You will ensure compliance with dietary restrictions, maintain impeccable sanitation standards, and create a warm, dignified dining experience that feels like home.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

• Execute daily menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring food is visually appealing, properly seasoned, and served at the correct temperature.
• Prepare alternative menu options and snacks as needed for residents with changing appetites.
• Adapt recipes to meet specific dietary needs (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and texture-modified diets like puréed or mechanical soft).
• Understand and accommodate the unique dining challenges of memory care residents (e.g., finger foods, enhanced flavors, and flexible dining times).
• Create a calm, structured, and inviting dining environment that encourages socialization and appetite stimulation.
• Adhere to strict food safety, handling, and storage regulations (ServSafe guidelines).
• Ensure the kitchen, prep areas, and dishwashing stations are cleaned and sanitized at the end of every shift.
• Monitor and log food and refrigerator temperatures daily to guarantee quality control.
• Maintain a resident-first approach, actively seeking feedback and building relationships to understand individual preferences.
• Collaborate with the Dietary/Dining Services Director and nursing staff to ensure care plans align with resident diets.
• Maintain the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and equipment maintenance in accordance with ServSafe and local health department codes.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 2–3 years of Cook experience: Hospital or Healthcare facility experience preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written directions and pay close attention to details in order to follow and calculate recipes and production sheets, and to pay constant attention to cooking and the timing of foods.
• Requires a current Food Handlers card issued by local Health Department
• Demonstrated knowledge of high standards of food preparation, sanitation, hygienic methods of food preparation and storage, and safety with formal on-the-job training, and approximately one year of experience in quantity food preparation in order to have the necessary technical skills to maintain high standards of food preparation.
• Demonstrates initiative and sound judgment in setting up meals and utilizing leftovers.
• Demonstrates competency in operating kitchen equipment.
• Interpersonal skills are necessary to establish effective relationships with department workers, supervisors, and with other departments.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information.
• A genuine desire to improve the quality of life for seniors.
• Create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment.

We believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible. - Benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Premium Pay for Holidays worked, conditions apply
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
• Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services.

“At Avamere Communities, we love to celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can their true, authentic self is key to our success “We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.