Cook

Cedarhurst Senior Living; West Plains (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Shoe discounts

Early paycheck access

Job summary

Cedarhurst Senior Living in West Plains, Missouri, is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare high-quality and nutritious meals for residents. The role emphasizes food safety, dietary accommodations, and compliance with health guidelines.

As a Cook, you'll work closely with the Dining Services Director and contribute to a supportive team environment. Expectations include effective communication, culinary excellence, and participation in staff training and development programs. Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• At least one year experience as a cook preferred.
• Applicable state/county licensure required.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Ensure food safety and compliance with health guidelines.
• Assist in training new dining team members.

Skills

Food preparation

Time management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Food Manager Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Job description

About Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Description

Position: Cook

Why Work for Cedarhurst

• Our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• Our team is our greatest strength. We invest in comprehensive training and opportunities for personal and professional growth, promoting from within and supporting career development.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• In addition to standard benefits, we offer GROW Points—a rewards system that celebrates hard work—and perks such as exclusive shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more.

Position Summary

The Cook reports directly to the Dining Services Director and is responsible for preparing high‑quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that meet or exceed hospitality and service standards. The role supports residents’ health and wellbeing by accommodating individual dietary needs, maintaining food safety and infection control standards, and ensuring meals are served on time and at appropriate temperatures. The Cook also upholds culinary excellence, assists with kitchen organization, and supports training and development of new dining team members.

Essential Functions

• Ensure proper preparation, portioning, and serving of foods as indicated on the menu cycle and standardized recipes.
• Taste and prepare food to determine quality.
• Prepare all special dietary needs as directed by the Dining Services Director or assigned menus.
• Determine food and supplies needed and coordinate meal production with serving hours.
• Assist with documentation of temperature logs, taste panel forms, and cleaning schedules.
• Assist with orientation and training new kitchen staff.
• Handle food safely and appropriately.
• Practice all safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Attend all in‑services as required.
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control.
• Use basic mathematical concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions) in practical situations.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures and that equipment is functioning.
• Remain current with all food safety licensing requirements for FDA, state, county, and local authorities and ensure all guidelines are adhered to.
• Ensure effective communication between community staff and residents’ families concerning residents’ care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing.
• Work well with others and take direction from management, while taking initiative and engaging in conflict intervention and resolution as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least one year experience as a cook preferred.
• Applicable state/county licensure required.
• Food Manager Certification, or ability to obtain, is required.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.

Working Conditions

• Position may require walking or standing for extended periods and moving throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas.
• Employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• Employee must communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• May need to lift up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Must follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including use of PPE when necessary.
• Actively participate in staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale, functioning as a collaborative team player.
• Required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives, actively pursue self‑improvement, and embrace opportunities for continuous learning.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with us.

Background Check and Screening

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.