Cook

Brookdale; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 3,030,720; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k)

Associate assistance program

Employee discounts

Referral program

Early access to earned wages

Job summary

Brookdale is seeking a cook to join our team. The role offers opportunities for advancement to Lead Cook, Sous Chef, or Dining Services Manager. You will work weekends and enjoy a full benefits package including health, life, and retirement plans.

Base pay will be determined by skill and experience; temporary associates may participate in the 401(k) program. Brookdale provides a supportive environment with opportunities for growth, during which you will prepare and serve meals, follow

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation according to recipes and menus.
• Adherence to sanitation and food safety standards.
• Ability to prepare meals in a timely manner per meal times.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper preparation, portioning and serving of food according to standardized recipes and menus.
• Adheres to all sanitation and food safety standards. Maintains a clean kitchen.
• Prepares food in a timely manner at specified meal times.

Skills

Food preparation

Sanitation

Time management

Cooking techniques

Job description

Job Description

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

No Late Nights! Grow your career with Brookdale! Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services.

Weekends - Required

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You’ll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part And Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant’s skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company’s 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper preparation, portioning and serving of food according to standardized recipes and menus. You will use your prior experience with cutting tools, cookware and bakeware, combined with your knowledge of cooking procedures and methods of grilling, baking and boiling as a critical part of your role.
• Adheres to all sanitation and food safety standards. Maintains a clean kitchen.
• Prepares food in a timely manner at specified meal times

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

About Us

Brookdale is a Great Place to Be

• Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
• Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
• Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
• Industry leader in clinical care.
• Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
• Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.