Cook - Residential Services

Vanguard Landing Inc; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Landing Inc. seeks a dependable Cook for our Seaside Cafe, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Evening shifts (12-8) with weekend rotation keep our kitchen running seven days a week.

You will prepare meals per menus and dietary needs, maintain cleanliness, and uphold food safety standards while supporting residents with dignity and respect. Pay starts at $17.00 per hour, with a values-driven environment that emphasizes teamwork,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read recipes and follow written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass Criminal Background and Central Registry checks.
• Current TB screening or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the position.
• Must have valid driver's licenses and reliable transportation.
• Rotating shifts including weekends; cafe open seven days.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Meal Service: prepare meals per menus and recipes; ensure nutrition and proper temperatures.
• Kitchen Operations: maintain cleanliness, wash dishes, assist with deliveries, rotate stock.
• Food Safety & Compliance: follow safety procedures and document temperature logs; comply with DBHDS and health standards.
• Resident Support: promote dignity, provide courteous service, protect confidentiality.

Skills

Reading recipes

Teamwork

Computer skills

Food safety knowledge

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office (Outlook/Word/Excel)

Job description

Join Our Seaside Cafe Team!

Vanguard Landing is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and skilled Cook to join our team serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Our onsite Seaside Cafe serves nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining compliance with food safety standards and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) requirements.

If you enjoy cooking, working with people, and making a positive impact in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply.

SHIFT NEEDED: Evening (12-8) / Weekend Rotation either Morning or Evening shift till 8 PM

Essential Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Meal Service

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to established menus and recipes.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, appetizing, and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Follow physician-ordered diets, texture modifications, diabetic meal plans, and allergy restrictions.
• Monitor portion control and food quality standards.

Kitchen Operations

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, storage rooms, and dining areas.
• Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.
• Rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Complete required temperature logs and cleaning documentation.
• Ensure compliance with DBHDS regulations, Virginia Health Department standards, and agency policies.
• Report food safety concerns or equipment issues promptly.

Resident Support

• Promote resident dignity, choice, and independence.
• Provide courteous and professional service to residents and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read recipes and follow written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass Criminal Background and Central Registry checks.
• Current TB screening or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the position.
• Computer use and MS Office Applications – Outlook, Word, Excel
• Must have valid drivers’ licenses and reliable personal transportation
• Must have the ability to work rotating shifts depending on scheduling requirements. Weekends required, rotating schedule (Café is open Monday – Sunday 7 AM – 7 PM.)

Preferred

• Previous cooking experience in healthcare, residential, institutional, or commercial food service settings.
• Food Handler or ServSafe Certification.
• Experience preparing meals for special dietary needs.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Why Work at Vanguard Landing?

At Vanguard Landing, our mission is to provide quality services that promote independence, dignity, and meaningful lives for the individuals we support. Every team member contributes to creating a safe, welcoming, and caring environment.

We value teamwork, professionalism, and compassion and are committed to supporting our employees through training, development, and opportunities for growth.

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid driver's license and your own transportation?
• Can you pass a Criminal background and Central Registry checks?
• Do you have computer experience and know how to use MS Outlook, Word, or Excel?
• Can you work a rotating schedule including morning, evening, and weekend shifts?

Experience:

• Food service: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• ServSafe (Preferred)

Work Location: In person