Cook - PT

ELKHART ASSISTED LIVING LLC; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

OPS Living is seeking a friendly Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents in a safe, sanitary kitchen. You will follow approved menus, adapt to dietary requirements, and ensure meals are served on time with care.

You will work closely with the Dietary Manager and team, maintain clean procedures, and contribute to a warm dining experience in a fast-paced environment that values quality, compassion, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary instructions accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to approved menus, dietary requirements and recipes.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and adhere to safety standards.
• Assist with meal service and portion control.
• Label, store, and rotate food using FIFO principles.
• Report equipment issues promptly.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Description

At OPS Living, every meal is an opportunity to provide comfort, connection, and exceptional hospitality. Residents look forward to mealtimes not only for nourishment, but for the sense of routine, community, and enjoyment they bring each day.

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals in accordance with approved menus, resident dietary requirements, food safety standards, and company expectations. This position plays a vital role in creating a positive dining experience while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.

The Cook works closely with the Dietary Manager and dietary team to ensure meals are prepared accurately, served on time, and presented with pride. This role requires attention to detail, teamwork, professionalism, and a genuine passion for serving seniors.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys cooking, takes pride in quality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

About OPS Living

At OPS Living, our mission is simple:

We care deeply for our team, our clients, and our community.

We provide safe, affordable, and loving communities where seniors can thrive. Every team member contributes to creating an environment where residents feel respected, valued, and at home.

Our core values guide how we work every day:

• Serves Reliably – We follow through on our commitments and provide dependable support to residents and teammates.
• Utilizes Unconventional Collaboration – We solve problems together and support one another across departments.
• Celebrates Regularly – We recognize effort, progress, and accomplishments.
• Enjoys the Journey – We bring positivity, gratitude, and purpose to our work.

Meal Preparation & Food Service

• Prepare meals according to approved menus, standardized recipes, and resident dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are prepared with consistency, quality, and attention to presentation.
• Follow portion control guidelines and therapeutic diet requirements.
• Prepare meals within established production schedules to ensure timely service.
• Assist with meal service as needed while providing excellent customer service to residents.
• Accommodate approved substitutions and special dietary needs as directed.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection prevention standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen throughout each shift.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products using FIFO principles.
• Complete required temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and sanitation documentation.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of food to minimize waste and maintain quality.
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.

Resident Dining Experience

• Help create a welcoming dining experience for every resident.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with residents during meal service.
• Respond positively to resident requests within established dietary guidelines.
• Support resident satisfaction by preparing meals with care and consistency.
• Take pride in providing meals that residents enjoy and look forward to each day.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Dietary Manager and dietary team.
• Assist with food preparation, meal service, dishwashing, and kitchen cleanup as needed.
• Communicate supply shortages or operational concerns promptly.
• Support new team members through teamwork and positive communication.
• Maintain professionalism while contributing to a positive work environment.

Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Follow all company policies and Indiana health department regulations.
• Maintain survey readiness by consistently following established procedures.
• Assist with inventory organization and proper food storage.
• Support efforts to reduce food waste while maintaining meal quality.
• Demonstrate accountability for assigned responsibilities and kitchen cleanliness.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Passion for cooking and serving others
• Strong attention to detail
• Dependability and accountability
• Pride in cleanliness and organization
• Positive attitude
• Team-oriented mindset
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Professional communication
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to seniors

What Success Looks Like

• Meals are prepared accurately, safely, and on schedule.
• Residents consistently enjoy high-quality meals and excellent service.
• Kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards exceed regulatory expectations.
• Food waste is minimized through proper preparation and inventory management.
• Team members communicate effectively and support one another.
• Survey readiness is maintained at all times.
• Food safety documentation is completed accurately.
• Residents and families express satisfaction with the dining experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous cooking or food preparation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary instructions accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in assisted living, senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant environments.
• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager Certification.
• Experience preparing therapeutic or modified diets.
• Experience with commercial kitchen equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures.