Dietary Cook

Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove; Oak Grove (MO); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove is seeking a dependable Dietary Cook to join our dietary team for a part-time day shift. You will prepare nutritious, appealing meals that meet therapeutic and patient preferences while following menus, recipes, and safety standards.

We value teamwork, attention to detail, and compassionate service to our residents, ensuring high-quality dining experiences and adherence to dietary requirements. Flexibility for weekends/holidays is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent preferred/required by facility/state.
• Experience as a Dietary Cook, Cook, Line Cook, or food-service professional is a plus.
• Knowledge of food-safety and sanitation practices useful in long-term care settings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other items per recipes and menus.
• Follow menus, portion guidelines, and resident dietary requirements.
• Prepare texture-modified and therapeutic diets as ordered.
• Ensure meals are served on schedule with proper presentation.
• Coordinate with Dietary Aides and team to support meal production and service.
• Monitor temps and maintain sanitation in line with guidelines.
• Interact with residents to support dining experience and preferences.
• Assist with menu planning, seasonal meals, and special events.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety

Meal planning

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Dietary Cook | Part-Time Day

Our Company

At Aspire Senior Living, our mission is to transform lives through Accountability, Service, Purpose, Integrity, Responsibility, and Excellence. With an unwavering commitment to our residents and an employee-focused approach, we create a brighter future for our communities and empower our team to deliver exceptional care and support.

Position Overview

Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove seeking a dependable and experienced Dietary Cook to join our Dietary team.

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, appetizing, and resident-centered meals while following menus, recipes, therapeutic diet requirements, food-safety standards, and sanitation guidelines.

In senior living, a great meal is about more than what's on the plate. Our Dietary Cooks help create an enjoyable dining experience while supporting each resident's individual nutritional needs, preferences, and quality of life.

What You'll Do

Meal Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other menu items according to established recipes and production schedules.

• Follow standardized recipes, menus, portion guidelines, and resident dietary requirements.

• Prepare meals that are flavorful, appealing, and appropriately presented.

• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to established meal schedules.

• Coordinate with Dietary Aides and other team members to support efficient meal production and service.

• Monitor portions and production levels to help maintain consistency and reduce unnecessary food waste.

Therapeutic & Modified Diets

• Review resident dietary information and follow applicable diet orders and meal instructions.

• Prepare texture-modified and therapeutic diets, which may include pureed, mechanical/modified-texture, low-sodium, diabetic/consistent-carbohydrate, and other prescribed diets.

• Follow established procedures for allergies, dietary restrictions, substitutions, and special meal requirements.

• Ensure resident meals and trays are prepared accurately according to dietary instructions.

• Communicate questions or discrepancies regarding resident diets to the Dietary Manager, Nursing, or other appropriate team member.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow proper food-handling, storage, sanitation, and infection-prevention procedures.

• Monitor and document food temperatures throughout preparation, holding, and service.

• Complete refrigerator/freezer temperature logs, sanitation records, and other required documentation.

• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products according to established procedures.

• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.

• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, and storage areas.

• Follow applicable food-safety regulations and facility policies.

Resident Dining Experience

• Help create meals residents can look forward to each day.

• Interact with residents professionally, respectfully, and compassionately.

• Listen to resident preferences and feedback regarding meals and dining services.

• Communicate appropriate resident requests and concerns to Dietary leadership.

• Support resident choice whenever possible while following prescribed dietary requirements.

• Work collaboratively with Dietary and Nursing staff to help address resident dining concerns.

Menu & Production Support

• Assist the Dietary Manager, Chef, or other designated leadership with menu preparation and meal-production planning as needed.

• Provide ideas for menu variety, seasonal meals, special events, and resident favorites.

• Assist with special meals, holiday celebrations, and community events.

• Follow established production schedules and adjust quantities appropriately based on resident census and meal needs.

• Help monitor food and kitchen supplies and communicate shortages as needed.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively with Dietary Aides, Dietary leadership, Nursing, and other community team members.

• Participate in required training, in-services, and food-safety education.

• Maintain professional standards and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

• Support quality-improvement efforts related to dining services and resident satisfaction.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred or required based on applicable facility/state requirements.

• Previous experience as a Dietary Cook, Cook, Line Cook, or food-service professional preferred.

• Experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, senior living, healthcare, hospital, school, or institutional food service is a plus.

• Knowledge of basic food-safety and sanitation practices.

• Experience preparing therapeutic or texture-modified diets is preferred.

• Ability to accurately follow recipes, menus, production schedules, portion guidelines, and dietary instructions.

• Strong food preparation and cooking skills.

• Attention to detail, particularly when preparing special or therapeutic diets.

• Ability to work efficiently and manage multiple responsibilities during meal preparation.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Compassionate and respectful approach when interacting with older adults.

• Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high food-quality and safety standards.

• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed to support resident meal schedules.

Bring Your Talent to the Table

For our residents, mealtime is an important part of the day. It's a chance to enjoy great food, familiar favorites, conversation, and connection.

As a Dietary Cook, your culinary skills and attention to detail directly contribute to resident satisfaction, nutrition, and overall quality of life.

If you're a dependable cook who takes pride in preparing safe, nutritious, and delicious meals, we'd love to have you at our table.

Accountability, Service, Purpose, Integrity, Responsibility, and Excellence.