Culinary Aide

Better Living; Robins (IA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401(k) matching

Professional development

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Better Living is seeking a Culinary Aide to join our dining team in our senior living communities, delivering warm, homelike experiences for residents.

You will assist with meal preparation, service, and kitchen operations while upholding high hospitality and safety standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, friendly, and supportive of a team that makes mealtimes meaningful for residents.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, hospitality, or senior living is preferred.
• Able to communicate clearly with residents and team members.
• Willingness to follow instructions and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with plating and serving meals according to dietary needs and resident preferences.
• Provide warm, attentive service during mealtimes and maintain a clean dining environment.
• Support basic food prep tasks and follow food safety procedures.
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and storing food and supplies; report safety concerns.

Skills

Food service experience

Customer service

Communication skills

Standing long hours

Teamwork

Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy. We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter. This is senior living, only better.

Benefits

• Compensation: $14.00 per hour
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401 (K) matching
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Culinary Aide supports the dining team in creating a positive, welcoming, and homelike experience for residents. This role assists with meal preparation, service, and kitchen operations while upholding high standards of hospitality, cleanliness, and resident care. The ideal candidate is dependable, friendly, and committed to supporting a team that makes mealtimes meaningful for our community. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing meals for residents in accordance with dietary needs, facility menus, and food safety standards. This role plays a key part in maintaining resident health and satisfaction through high-quality food service.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Dining Experience

• Assist with plating and serving meals according to dietary needs and resident preferences
• Provide warm, attentive service during mealtimes
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting dining environment before, during, and after service

Food Preparation & Support

• Perform basic food prep tasks such as washing, chopping, portioning, and assembling items
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures
• Assist with preparing meal trays and carts for delivery when needed

Kitchen Operations

• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment following established procedures
• Keep workstations, storage areas, and equipment clean and orderly
• Assist with receiving, rotating, and storing food and supplies
• Report safety concerns or equipment issues promptly

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, hospitality, or senior living preferred
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a fastpaced environment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices (training provided if needed)

Personal Attributes

• Friendly, patient, and residentfocused
• Reliable and punctual
• Teamoriented with a willingness to help wherever needed
• Committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environment

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.