Dietary Cook →

Optalis Healthcare; Southfield, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Optalis Healthcare in Southfield, MI is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents in accordance with dietary needs and regulatory standards.

You will follow planned menus and standardized recipes, serve food at the correct temperature, maintain kitchen sanitation, monitor storage, and support food safety compliance.

Healthcare diet experience is preferred; we value reliability, teamwork, and strong time-management in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 1+ year institutional food service experience as a cook.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Ensure food is prepared and served at the proper temperature and time.
• Follow physician-ordered therapeutic diets and resident preferences.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, equipment, and utensils.
• Monitor food storage, rotate stock, and minimize waste.
• Support survey readiness and food safety compliance.
• Knowledge of food preparation, nutrition, and sanitation standards.
• Ability to follow recipes and diet orders accurately.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Teamwork and communication abilities.

Skills

Food safety

Nutrition knowledge

Sanitation standards

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Follow recipes

Diet orders

Institutional food service experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Cook prepares and serves palatable, nutritious meals that meet residents' dietary needs and preferences in accordance with state and federal regulations. This role ensures food safety, sanitation, and quality standards while contributing to resident satisfaction and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes.


• Ensure food is prepared and served at the proper temperature and time.


• Follow physician-ordered therapeutic diets and resident preferences.


• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, equipment, and utensils.


• Monitor food storage, rotate stock, and minimize waste.


• Support survey readiness and food safety compliance.


• Knowledge of food preparation, nutrition, and sanitation standards.


• Ability to follow recipes and diet orders accurately.


• Time management and organizational skills.


• Teamwork and communication abilities.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.


• 1+ year institutional food service experience as a cook.

Preferred:

• Experience in healthcare dietary department.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Standing/walking most of the shift.


• Ability to lift 5--40 lbs and push carts up to 300 lbs with assistance.


• Work in hot, humid kitchen environment with exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Personal Attributes:

• Respect for residents


• Integrity

EEO is the Law