Cook

Health Dimensions Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Paid time off

Health, dental & vision insurance for…

Ongoing training & career growth

Supportive, mission-driven team

Job summary

Morning Star Village in Rockford, IL, is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals for our senior living community. You will follow planned menus and dietary guidelines, ensure meals are tasty and attractively presented, and maintain high kitchen standards.

You’ll work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, interact warmly with residents, accommodate dietary needs, and assist with events and meal service setup.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience required; senior living or healthcare setting a plus.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and dietary needs (e.g. diabetic, low-sodium).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to planned menus and dietary guidelines.
• Ensure meals are tasty, properly portioned, and attractively presented.
• Follow recipes, food safety standards, and community guidelines to a T.
• Assist with food prep, baking, and special meals as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, storage, and serving areas.
• Monitor food inventory and report supply needs to the Dining Services Director.
• Interact with residents warmly and respectfully during meal service.
• Be flexible with resident food preferences or special requests.
• Help with set-up and clean-up for special events, holidays, and themed meals.

Skills

Cooking experience

Healthcare setting

Food safety

Dietary needs

Independence

Job description

Join Our Team as a Cook!

Do you love bringing people together through great food? Morning Star Village is looking for a passionate and dependable Cook to help prepare delicious, nutritious meals for our senior living community. If you're a team player with a heart for hospitality and a knack for the kitchen, we want YOU on our team!

At Morning Star Village, we're all about making lives better—whether it's for our residents, clients, or the incredible people who work with us (that's you!). We believe in the power of hospitality, stewardship, integrity, respect, and humor, and we bring those values to life every single day.

Now, let's talk about YOU and why you'll love this role:

What You'll Do (AKA: Your Superpowers)

Cook with Care & Creativity:

• Prepare and serve meals according to planned menus and dietary guidelines.

• Ensure meals are tasty, properly portioned, and attractively presented.

• Follow recipes, food safety standards, and community guidelines to a T.

Keep the Kitchen Running Smoothly:

• Assist with food prep, baking, and special meals as needed.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, storage, and serving areas.

• Monitor food inventory and report supply needs to the Dining Services Director.

Create a Welcoming Experience:

• Interact with residents warmly and respectfully during meal service.

• Be flexible and accommodating with resident food preferences or special requests.

• Help with set-up and clean-up for special events, holidays, and themed meals.

What You Bring to the Table (Besides a Great Recipe Book)

Experience & Skills:

• Previous cooking experience required; senior living or healthcare setting a plus.

• Familiarity with food safety regulations and dietary needs (e.g. diabetic, low-sodium).

• Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced kitchen team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods, bend, reach, lift, and carry throughout your shift.

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work in a warm kitchen environment.

Certifications:

• Food handler certification required (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

• ServSafe certification a plus!

Schedule:

Full-time (Must be flexible to work both AM and PM shifts: 6am-6:30pm & 6am-1:30pm)

Perks & Benefits (Because You Deserve It!)

• Competitive hourly pay

• Paid time off & flexible scheduling options

• Health, dental & vision insurance for qualifying team members

• Ongoing training & career growth opportunities

• A supportive, mission-driven team that values your impact every day

Morning Star Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Compensation Disclaimer

An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.