Cook

Bethea-Retirement-Community; South Carolina; On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Work-Life Balance

Immediate Pay Access (RAIN)

Comprehensive Benefits

Paid Time Off

Retirement 401(k)

Supportive Culture

Job summary

Bethea Retirement Community is seeking a dedicated Full-Time Cook to join our Culinary Services team in Darlington, SC. You will prepare meals that meet planned menus and individualized dietary guidelines, while ensuring food safety and attractive presentation for residents.

This role emphasizes compassion and hospitality, with opportunities for growth within a supportive leadership environment committed to high-quality senior care.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of cooking experience in healthcare, senior living, or similar settings.
• Familiarity with clinical/therapeutic diets is a plus.
• Knowledge of ServSafe principles and proper sanitation is required.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation and execution according to planned menus and dietary specs.
• Accommodate clinical diet orders with proper portions and modifications.
• Maintain cleanliness, temperature controls, and safety standards across prep, cooking and storage areas.
• Review menus in advance to ensure stock and proper labeling of food storage, and report equipment needs to leadership.
• Plate and serve meals attractively and on schedule for residents.

Skills

Cooking experience

Clinical diets

Food safety

ServSafe knowledge

Team player

Job description

Cook / Dietary Cook - Culinary Services

Location: Darlington, SC

Facility: Bethea Retirement Community

Job Type: Full-time

Management: Now proudly managed by Oakdale Seniors Alliance!

About Us

For decades, Bethea Retirement Community has been a trusted cornerstone of compassionate senior care in Darlington and the surrounding Pee Dee region. We are thrilled to share that Bethea is now managed by Oakdale Seniors Alliance!

Under this new leadership, our culture is deeply rooted in compassion, excellence, and genuine hospitality. We believe that mealtime is one of the most important parts of our residents' day. Our Culinary Services team takes pride in serving delicious, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals in a warm, welcoming environment.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled, passionate Full-Time Cook to join our dining team.

In this role, you will be responsible for preparing high-quality, flavorful meals according to planned daily menus and individualized resident dietary guidelines. If you love cooking, take pride in food presentation, and enjoy bringing joy to seniors through great food, we want you on our team!

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation & Execution: Prepare and cook delicious, high-quality meals and beverages in accordance with planned menus, standardized recipes, and dietary specs.

• Therapeutic & Special Diets: Ensure meal preparations accommodate specific clinical diet orders (e.g., low sodium, modified textures, pureed, mechanical soft) with proper portion controls.

• Food Safety & Sanitation: Maintain strict cleanliness, temperature monitoring, and food safety standards across all prep, cooking, and storage areas in compliance with health department regulations.

• Kitchen & Inventory Support: Review menus in advance to ensure adequate stock, assist with proper labeling/dating of food storage, and report equipment or supply needs to leadership.

• Hospitality & Plating: Plate and serve meals attractively and on schedule, ensuring our residents receive exceptional service every day.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of cooking experience in a healthcare facility, senior living community, restaurant, or commercial kitchen setting. Familiarity with clinical/therapeutic diets is a plus.

• Technical Skills: Ability to follow standardized recipes, manage food production timing, and operate standard commercial kitchen equipment safely.

• Food Safety: Knowledge of ServSafe principles, food temperature controls, and proper sanitation practices.

• The Heart: Strong work ethic, punctual attendance, and a genuine, friendly attitude around our senior residents.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.

• Work-Life Balance: Predictable full-time shifts with advance scheduling.

• Immediate Pay Access: Get paid before payday using the RAIN Earned Wage Access app!

• Comprehensive Benefits: Choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance packages.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid holiday packages.

• Retirement: 401(k) options with employer match.

• Supportive Culture: A welcoming kitchen environment backed by a leadership team that values your culinary craft.