Cook (PT/FT)

SUMMERPLACE in; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 38,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Place Assisted Living is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare balanced meals for residents in a clean, safe kitchen. You will cook large quantities, follow therapeutic diets, and ensure meals are appealing while maintaining high sanitation standards.

A collaborative team environment emphasizes quality, compassion, and resident happiness. The role involves training staff and contributing to a heart-driven dining program for seniors.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for seniors in a kitchen setting
• Ability to manage diets and food safety
• Strong teamwork and reliability
• Willingness to lead when needed and follow directions

Responsibilities

• Prepare balanced meals for residents following established menus and portion guidelines
• Cook large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency
• Prepare therapeutic diets and texture-modified meals as required
• Ensure meals are attractively presented and appealing to residents
• Record meal temperatures to meet safety standards
• Maintain sanitation and clean kitchen equipment and work areas
• Assist with meal service and keep serving carts clean and organized
• Train and orient new dietary staff as needed
• Communicate resident concerns to leadership and adapt plans accordingly

Skills

Team orientation

Leadership

Attention to detail

Kitchen cleanliness

Resident-focused

Job description

Make food that matters. Cook with purpose.

Cook (PT/FT) (Food Services)

Do you love cooking for others and want your work to actually mean something? At Columbia Place Assisted Living, our kitchen is the heart of the community — and we're looking for a Cook who takes pride in creating delicious, comforting meals that bring joy to our residents every single day.

This isn't fast food or a faceless kitchen job. You'll know the people you're cooking for, see their reactions, and be part of a team that truly cares.

What You'll Do

• Prepare flavorful, well-balanced meals for residents in a clean, safe, and organized kitchen
• Cook a variety of foods in large quantities while following established menus and portion guidelines
• Accurately prepare therapeutic diets and texture-modified meals
• Ensure food is attractively presented and appealing to residents
• Record meal and food temperatures to meet safety standards
• Maintain sanitizer buckets and follow all cleaning and sanitation schedules
• Assist with meal service and keep serving carts clean and organized
• Properly clean and maintain commercial kitchen equipment
• Work collaboratively with dietary, care, and leadership teams
• Help orient and train new dietary staff
• Communicate resident concerns or observations to leadership as needed
• Follow all federal, state, and company policies and procedures

What We're Looking For

• A positive, team-oriented cook who enjoys working with others
• Someone who can both lead when needed and take direction well
• Attention to detail — especially with special diets and food safety
• Pride in keeping a clean, organized kitchen
• A genuine desire to make meals enjoyable and meaningful for seniors

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking frequently
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and occasionally kneeling
• Using vision, taste, and smell frequently as part of cooking and food prep

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Why Work With Us?

• Your work directly impacts residents' daily happiness and quality of life
• Supportive leadership and a team-first culture
• A stable, mission-driven environment
• A chance to cook with heart — not just speed

If you're looking for a cooking job where your skills are appreciated and your work truly matters, we'd love to meet you.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.