Dining Services Specialist

Cedarhurst Living; Mishawaka, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

GROW Points rewards

Skechers shoe discounts

Early paycheck access

Job summary

Cedarhurst Living in Mishawaka, IN seeks a Dining Services Specialist to supervise the dining program and plan nutritious meals for residents. You will train staff and ensure smooth operation across shifts.

The role requires 2–5 years in dining leadership, a state food safety license, and strong customer service, communication, and organization skills. Proficiency with kitchen operations and vendor relations is essential.

Qualifications

• 3 years of dining experience in a senior living or related setting with leadership ability.
• Food safety manager certification required and state licensure where applicable.
• Strong customer service, hospitality mindset and teamwork oriented.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and supervise dining staff for daily operations.
• Plan menus and manage food costs within budget.
• Train and mentor dining team and promote service standards.
• Maintain food temperatures and safe handling procedures.
• Coordinate vendor relations and inventory control.

Skills

Dining leadership

Staff management

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Food safety manager certification

State licensure required

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Word

Internet Explorer

Job description

Description

Description

Position Title: Dining Services Specialist

About Cedarhurst: Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.


• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.


• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.


• At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points - a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You'll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

Position Summary:

To provide supervision and direction to the food service program in assigned communities. To plan and prepare appealing, nutritious meals for residents and guests. Train and support Dining teams and leadership, be the expert and promote culture changes.

Essential Duties include the following:

• Schedule staff on an ongoing basis (schedule will be posted at least two weeks in advance)


• Plan and implement a menu cycle that will be well-received by the residents and features seasonal menu items


• Keep food and supply costs within budget


• Maintain good communication with all vendors


• Responsible for maintaining, ordering and accounting for food inventories necessary to complete duties


• Instruct all employees on operation, maintenance and cleaning of all kitchen equipment


• Exhibit thorough knowledge of all food service positions and provide hands-on training to staff


• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly


• Handle food in a safe and appropriate manner


• Provide cook coverage when unable to find necessary staff coverage (on-call duties)


• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining services shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs


• Recruit and hire new dining service staff


• Orientate new dining service staff or those needing extra assistance


• Maintain and promote healthy relationships between staff and families


• Assist Executive Director with monthly staff in-service meetings as requested and on committees as appointed.


• Assist with Sales/Marketing procedures to develop and enhance satisfaction levels, as well as participate in resident sales, tours and community needs when required


• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises 1-15 employees in the day-to-day presentation of dining services developed specifically for seniors.

Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of dining experience in a senior care community with proven leadership and organizational skills, state required food preparation license required.


• Collaborative team player able to establish effective working relationships with team members.


• Previous staff management and/or coaching and mentoring of dining services team experience.


• Demonstrated experience in promoting a high level of customer service and hospitality towards and among all residents, associates, and visitors


• Possess sound organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and with a strong attention to detail.


• Self-motivated to accomplish goals with a strong sense of accountability for results.


• Demonstrated communication excellence, verbally and in writing; comfortable presenting to large groups.


• Described as dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.


• Possess an appreciation of seniors and an understanding of the aging process.


• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.


• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Education and/or Experience:

• 2-5 years of dining leadership experience (restaurants, hotels, country clubs, senior living communities OR accredited culinary training and 4-6 years of culinary experience


• Food safety manager certification, required


• Applicable State licensure, required

Other Qualifications:

• Must possess a general knowledge of laws and restrictions regarding Assisted Living care, as well as a solid understanding of opportunities and limits of other levels of care within senior living.


• Must exhibit and promote a high level of customer service, hospitality, curiosity and friendliness towards all prospects, residents, visitors, employees and the overall community.


• Must possess valid driver's license and vehicle.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word applications.

Physical Demands:

Physical Demands:To perform this mission successfully, an individual should possess the physical ability to lift/move 50lbs, maintain a stationary position, move freely, operate equipment, ascend/descend freely, position self to reach equipment above or below normal standing height, and communicate with team members, residents, and residents’ family members.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.