Cook

Cedarhurst Senior Living; Woodstock (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedarhurst Senior Living in Woodstock, IL is seeking a Cook for the Evening Shift to prepare nutritious and appealing meals that meet safety standards and dietary needs, while delivering a positive dining experience for residents.

The Cook reports to the Dining Services Director and helps train kitchen staff, maintain records, and ensure on-time service with proper temperatures, sanitation, and infection control in a welcoming, resident-focused environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least 1 year experience as a cook preferred.
• State/county licensure required.
• Food Manager Certification or the ability to obtain it is required.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Proficiency with common digital tools and applications (Outlook, Excel, Word).

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper preparation, portioning, and serving of foods per menu and recipes.
• Taste and determine food quality.
• Prepare special dietary needs as directed by management.
• Coordinate meal production with serving hours and ingredients.
• Document temperature logs and cleaning schedules; assist with training new staff.
• Maintain infection control and safety standards at all times.

Skills

Meal preparation

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

State/county licensure

Tools

Food Manager Certification

CPR/BLS certification

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Electronic health record systems

Job description

Description

Position: Cook

• Evening Shift

Position Summary

The Cook, reporting directly to the Dining Services Director, is responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that meet or exceed the hospitality and service standards of the community. This position plays a vital role in supporting 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 contributes to a positive dining experience by upholding culinary excellence, assisting with kitchen organization, and supporting the training and development of new dining team members. By collaborating with the Dining Services Director, kitchen staff, and other community departments, this position helps foster a welcoming, safe, and resident-focused environment.

Essential Functions

• Ensure the 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 and/or menus assigned.
• Determine food and supplies needed and coordinate meal production with serving hours.
• Assist with proper documentation of temperature logs, taste panel forms, and cleaning schedules.
• Assist with orientation and training of new kitchen staff.
• Handle food in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Practice all safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Attend all in-services as required.
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control.
• Utilize basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly.
• Remain current and up to date with all food safety licensing requirements for FDA, state, county, and local authorities along with ensuring all guidelines are adhered to.
• Ensure effective communication is being utilized by community staff with the residents’ families concerning residents’ care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing.
• Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least one (1) year experience as a cook is 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

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self‑improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

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 the employer.

Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. 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.