Cook - Competitive Pay & Great Team - Cura of Willmar

Cura Health; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employer-paid life insurance

Job summary

Cura of Willmar is seeking a dependable Cook to join our Dining Services team in Willmar, MN. You will prepare nutritious meals that meet dietary needs while supporting a positive dining experience for residents.

Responsibilities include preparing meals per menus, following IDDSI guidelines, and maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• Experience cooking in healthcare, long-term care, or commercial kitchens preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks per planned menus and recipes.
• Prepare therapeutic and texture-modified diets per orders and IDDSI guidelines.
• Ensure meals are attractive, properly portioned, and served at correct temperatures.
• Follow production sheets and adjust quantities as needed.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.

Skills

Food safety

Food preparation

Therapeutic diets

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Cura of Willmar is looking for a dependable, passionate, and resident-focused Cook to join our Dining Services team! If you enjoy preparing delicious, nutritious meals and take pride in creating a positive dining experience, we'd love to have you on our team.

At Cura of Willmar, we know that mealtime is much more than just food—it's an opportunity to provide comfort, promote health, and bring joy to our residents. As a Cook, you'll play an important role in preparing high-quality meals that meet each resident's nutritional needs while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to exceptional care.

Position Summary

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appetizing meals in accordance with approved menus, therapeutic diets, food safety standards, and resident preferences. This position works closely with the Dietary Manager and Dietary Aides to ensure meals are prepared on time, served safely, and meet the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Essential Responsibilities

Food Preparation

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Prepare therapeutic and texture-modified diets in accordance with physician orders and IDDSI guidelines.
• Ensure meals are attractive, properly portioned, and served at the appropriate temperature.
• Follow production sheets and adjust quantities as needed.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
• Monitor and document food temperatures throughout meal preparation and service.
• Follow infection prevention procedures, including proper hand hygiene and glove use.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal food safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen.

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with inventory management and notify the Dietary Manager of supply needs.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food items using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment concerns promptly.
• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.

Resident Satisfaction

• Prepare meals that meet residents' dietary needs while promoting a positive dining experience.
• Accommodate resident food preferences whenever possible within prescribed diets.
• Work collaboratively with dietary staff to address meal concerns and ensure resident satisfaction.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with Dietary Aides, nursing staff, and other departments to provide excellent resident care.
• Assist with meal service as needed.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented attitude.
• Participate in department meetings and ongoing education.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous cooking experience in healthcare, long-term care, restaurants, schools, or commercial kitchens preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experience preparing therapeutic or modified diets is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills

Competitive pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employer-paid life insurance