Cook – Residential Services

Vanguard Landing; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Landing in Virginia Beach is seeking a dependable Cook to prepare nutritious meals for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting, following menus, physician orders, and food-safety standards. The role emphasizes maintaining a clean kitchen, supporting resident dignity and independence, and complying with DBHDS regulations.

Weekend work and rotating shifts are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (required/preferred).
• Ability to read recipes and follow written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Pass Criminal Background and Central Registry checks (required).
• Current TB screening or ability to obtain prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to menus and recipes.
• Ensure meals are nutritious and served at appropriate temperatures.
• Follow physician-ordered diets and allergy restrictions; monitor portion control.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen and dining areas.
• Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries and rotate stock (FIFO).
• Follow all food safety procedures and complete logs as required.
• Promote resident dignity, choice, and independence; provide courteous service.

Skills

Teamwork

Reading recipes

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Join Our 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. This position plays a critical role in ensuring residents receive 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.

Position Summary

The Cook prepares and serves meals according to approved menus, physician-ordered diets, and food safety guidelines. The successful candidate will help maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment while supporting resident choice, dignity, and person-centered services.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vanguard Landing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.