Culinary Specialist

Kadima Healthcare Group; North Strabane Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills is seeking a compassionate Culinary Specialist (Dietary Cook) to join our Dietary Services team. You will prepare nutritious meals, follow therapeutic diet orders, and ensure safe food handling for residents in a long-term care setting.

This role requires reading recipes, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and collaborating with staff to deliver high-quality meals that support resident well-being and dignity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in institutional food service or healthcare settings preferred.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and modified textures preferred.
• Food Handler's Permit or ServSafe certification preferred or required by state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and therapeutic diet requirements.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and served according to safety and sanitation standards.
• Review daily menus, production sheets, and diet orders before meal prep.
• Prepare modified texture diets and portion-controlled meals as directed.
• Assist with meal service to residents in a courteous and respectful manner.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Reading recipes

Kitchen safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Culinary Specialist (Dietary Cook)

Join Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills, a Group of Skilled Nursing Facilities in PA, as we strive to deliver exceptional care and services to our residents

Living Forward. Together.

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Culinary Specialist (Dietary Cook) to join our Dietary Services team at Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills. As a Dietary Cook, you will play a vital role in preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals to our residents, ensuring their health, well-being, and satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare meals according to standardized recipes, menus, and therapeutic diet requirements
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and served in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Review daily menus, production sheets, and diet orders before meal preparation
• Prepare modified texture diets, special diets, and portion-controlled meals as directed
• Assist with meal service to residents in a courteous and respectful manner

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience in institutional food service, healthcare, or long-term care preferred
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets and modified food textures is preferred
• Food Handler's Permit or ServSafe Certification preferred or required according to state regulations
• Ability to read recipes, production sheets, and diet cards
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions
• Work in hot, cold, wet, and fast-paced kitchen environments
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as scheduled

Working Conditions:

• The Dietary Cook works in a commercial kitchen within a long-term care facility
• The position requires exposure to heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, refrigerated storage areas, and frequent interaction with residents, staff, and visitors

Performance Expectations:

• Prepare meals accurately and on schedule
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment
• Follow all dietary orders and physician‑prescribed meal plans
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect for residents
• Promote resident dignity, choice, and quality of life through exceptional food service

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.