Dietary Cook-Full Time

Aaron Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Chester (CT); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid meal period

CT paid leave

EAP

Employee discounts

Weekend/Evening/Night diff

Casual Fridays

Paid training & orientations

Longevity awards

Job summary

Aaron Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chester, CT is seeking a Cook to join our team on a per-diem/full-time-32-hours basis. You will prepare nutritious meals per menus and dietary needs, ensure food safety, and maintain a clean kitchen while supporting residents with meals in a respectful, resident-centered environment.

The role involves shifts from 6:00 am–2:00 pm and 11:30 am–7:30 pm with a pay range of $18.00–$20.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred (or equivalent).
• Experience as a cook, preferably in healthcare, long-term care, institutional, or high-volume food service setting.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and ability to follow established guidelines (such as ServSafe or food handler standards).
• Ability to read, follow, and execute recipes, production sheets, menus, and special diet instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to preparing quality meals that meet dietary and texture-modified requirements.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with dietary staff, nursing team, residents, and other team members.
• Physical stamina and strength: ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to moderate weights (e.g., food trays or supplies), and perform tasks typical in a busy kitchen.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals, snacks, and beverages according to approved menus, standardized recipes, dietary guidelines, and facility protocols.
• Ensure correct preparation and serving of therapeutic and special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, texture modified) as required by resident care plans.
• Inspect meals and trays to verify correct diet orders, portion control, and appealing presentation before service.
• Assist with tray setup and meal service support - including delivering trays and ensuring appropriate utensils and condiments are provided.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen environment by cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, utensils, and work surfaces.
• Store and handle food properly to meet all safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Monitor inventory, stock food supplies, rotate perishable items, and assist with food storage and kitchen/pantry maintenance.
• Collaborate with dietary staff, nursing team, and other departments to address resident needs, preferences, and dietary concerns.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods or snacks for residents who refuse items originally offered, as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Food Service Supervisor to support meal service and food preparation goals.

Skills

Food safety

Sanitation

Recipe reading

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Stamina

Teamwork

Knife skills

Flexible hours

Healthcare cooking

Education

High school diploma

GED

Job description

Cook - Per Diem

LOCATION:
Chester, CT 06412

POSITION TYPE:
Full-Time 32 Hours

SHIFT(S):

6:00 am-2:00pm

11:30 am -7:30 pm

PAY RANGE:
$18.00-$20.00

BENEFITS

• Paid Meal Period
• CT Paid Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discounts
• Shift Differential for Weekend, Evening & Night Shifts
• Casual Fridays
• Paid Training and Orientations
• Longevity Awards

JOB SUMMARY:
Are you a caring and dependable individual looking for part-time work making a difference in residents’ daily lives? We are seeking a part-time Cook to join our team at Aaron Manor. . As a Cook in our skilled nursing facility, you will prepare and cook nutritious, resident-centered meals in accordance with planned menus and dietary needs, ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met, and help maintain a clean, organized kitchen and dining environment. You will contribute to a supportive, respectful environment for our residents while working closely with our dietary and care teams to enhance mealtimes for those we serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare nutritious meals, snacks, and beverages according to approved menus, standardized recipes, dietary guidelines, and facility protocols.
• Ensure correct preparation and serving of therapeutic and special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, texture modified) as required by resident care plans.
• Inspect meals and trays to verify correct diet orders, portion control, and appealing presentation before service.
• Assist with tray setup and meal service support - including delivering trays and ensuring appropriate utensils and condiments are provided.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen environment by cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, utensils, and work surfaces.
• Store and handle food properly to meet all safety, sanitation, and infection control standards.
• Monitor inventory, stock food supplies, rotate perishable items, and assist with food storage and kitchen/pantry maintenance.
• Collaborate with dietary staff, nursing team, and other departments to address resident needs, preferences, and dietary concerns.
• Prepare and serve substitute foods or snacks for residents who refuse items originally offered, as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Dietary Manager or Food Service Supervisor to support meal service and food preparation goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED preferred (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in healthcare, long-term care, institutional, or high-volume food service setting required.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and ability to follow established guidelines (such as ServSafe or food handler standards).
• Ability to read, follow, and execute recipes, production sheets, menus, and special diet instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to preparing quality meals that meet dietary and texture-modified requirements.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with dietary staff, nursing team, residents, and other team members.
• Physical stamina and strength: ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to moderate weights (e.g., food trays or supplies), and perform tasks typical in a busy kitchen.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a focus on resident satisfaction and safety.
• Basic knife skills and ability to safely use commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, slicers, mixers, etc.) as required.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

ABOUT US:
Ryders Health Management is a family-owned management company overseeing Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers. Across all our centers, we provide compassionate, resident-centered care designed to support each resident’s individual recovery or long-term care needs. We value our staff as much as our residents, offering a supportive workplace with opportunities for growth and ongoing training.

OUR CARING COMMUNITY:
Aaron Manor is a 60-bed, family-owned skilled nursing facility located in Chester, CT. As part of the Ryders Health family, you’ll join a team backed by decades of experience - rooted in quality care, teamwork, and high standards.

Come join our dedicated, caring team of professionals!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.