Dietary Cook

Americare; Paola (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Daily Access to Wages

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) Plan

Tuition Assistance

Free Meals

Job summary

Americare Senior Living in Paola, KS, is seeking a dependable Dietary Cook for our skilled nursing community. You will prepare home-style meals, follow dietician-approved menus, and maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment to support residents’ health and happiness.

Join a team that values collaboration, growth, and a positive dining experience, with flexible scheduling and competitive pay starting at $15/hour.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and able to work in a healthcare setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; continuing education is a plus.
• Experience in quantity food production, especially in healthcare, is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team; familiarity with HIPAA/OSHA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals, snacks, and beverages for residents, visitors, and staff in a timely manner.
• Follow dietician-approved menus and accommodate individual dietary needs.
• Maintain kitchen sanitation and cleanliness; store, label and organize food safely.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and ensure compliance with health guidelines.
• Support a sanitary dining environment and cooperate with dietary and care teams.

Skills

Teamwork

Food safety

HIPAA awareness

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Continuing education in dietary services

Job description

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Join Americare Senior Living, a USA Today Top Workplace and nationally recognized senior living provider, where teamwork, respect, and a family-like culture make every shift meaningful. In our Skilled Nursing community, you’ll be supported by strong leadership, consistent scheduling, and an organization that values growth, recognition, and the important role you play in enhancing residents’ daily lives.

Community: North Point

Community Type: Skilled Nursing

Location: Paola, KS

Shifts Available: Nights

Employment Type: Part-Time

Pay: Starting at $15/hour

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Join Americare Senior Living, a USA Today Top Workplace and nationally recognized senior living provider, where teamwork, respect, and a family-like culture make every shift meaningful. In our Skilled Nursing community, you’ll be supported by strong leadership, consistent scheduling, and an organization that values growth, recognition, and the important role you play in enhancing residents’ daily lives.

Are you looking to have fun while making a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors?

Who We Are

At Americare, our RISING Team Values guide everything we do:

• Integrity
• Servant Heart
• Inspire
• Nurture
• Growth

We are proud to make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors, every single day. Americare communities are more than just workplaces—they are family, where excellence thrives, people are empowered, and fun is part of the culture.

We’ve been consistently certified as a Great Place to Work, ranked on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services, and named one of the 2025 Best Senior Living providers by U.S. News & World Report.

Why Join Americare?

• Impactful Work: You can make a difference every day, receive plenty of hugs, and be the one to put a smile on the faces of our residents.
• Supportive Community: You can be part of a compassionate team that truly values teamwork and respect.
• Career Growth: Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, we offer exciting opportunities for you to advance both professionally and personally.
• Fun and Engaging Environment: Work hard and have fun in an inclusive environment where you'll create lasting friendships and experience unforgettable memories.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that fit your life.

What We Offer

• Recognition and Appreciation: Truly feel valued with meaningful shout outs and recognition.
• Family Atmosphere: Close-knit community where everyone feels at home.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy a competitive PTO plan to recharge and relax.
• Daily Access to Wages: Flexibility to access your pay whenever you need it.
• Complimentary Meals: Delicious free meals while you work.
• Tuition Assistance: We support your educational pursuits so you can chase your career dreams!
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and long-term disability, and so much more...
• Earn More: Your hard work is rewarded with competitive pay and annual wage increases based on performance.
• 401(k) Plan: Secure your future with company contributions

Take the next step in your career at Americare Senior Living and make a difference today!

Your Role as the Dietary Cook

Skilled Nursing

Americare Senior Living is seeking a dependable and team-oriented Dietary Cook to prepare nutritious, home-style meals for residents in our skilled nursing community. In this role, you’ll play an essential part in supporting resident health, comfort, and quality of life through safe food preparation and a positive dining experience.

Summary

The Dietary Cook is responsible for preparing meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with dietician-approved menus, resident dietary needs, and all applicable health, safety, and sanitation guidelines.

This role supports a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment while collaborating with the dietary and care teams to deliver high-quality service.

This Role May Also Be Known As

Dietary Cook, Cook, Food Service Cook, or Kitchen Cook.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and beverages for residents, visitors, and staff in a timely manner
• Follow dietician-approved menus and accommodate individual resident dietary needs
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food storage areas
• Store, label, and organize food in a safe and sanitary manner
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Set and clear tables before and after meals
• Safely operate kitchen appliances and equipment
• Ensure work areas, utensils, and equipment are maintained in a sanitary and safe condition
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and professional conduct standards
• Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines

What You Bring

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Continuing education related to dietary services is a plus
• Previous experience in quantity food production preferred, especially in a healthcare or skilled nursing setting
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations
• Familiarity with lock-out/tag-out procedures and use of personal protective equipment

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines
• Strong attention to food safety, sanitation, and detail
• Dependable, organized, and service-oriented mindset

Physical Demands

• Stand, sit, walk, and change positions frequently
• Lift or carry up to 50 lbs.; push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Use hands and arms to reach, balance, kneel, stoop, and bend
• Safely operate kitchen appliances, tools, and equipment

Safety Requirements

• Use carts when transporting food, supplies, and equipment
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling knives, sharp objects, and hot surfaces
• Wear skid-resistant, supportive footwear to prevent slips and falls
• Report work-related injuries within 12 hours and complete required documentation
• Participate in company drug testing procedures

This role is performed in a professional kitchen environment that includes the use of stoves, knives, dishwashers, walk-in refrigerators and coolers, trash receptacles, and other job-specific equipment. The environment is indoors with adequate lighting and ventilation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Americare Senior Living is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applicants from all walks of life. We value diversity and strive to create a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.