Lead Cook: Senior Living Fine Dining, Flexible Schedule

Harmony Senior Services; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k + Benefits Packages

Training, Development & Career Ladder

Great work-life balance

Flexible Scheduling

Job summary

Harmony Senior Services in Lorton, Virginia is seeking a dedicated kitchen supervisor/lead cook to manage meal preparation and dining staff. You will train, supervise, and ensure all meals meet recipes, quality, and safety standards.

The role requires Serv-Safe certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days) and strong leadership. Expect a fast-paced environment with evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have experience as a cook, preferably in senior living for fine dining.
• Must have Leadership experience.
• Must have Serv-Safe certified, or be willing to complete certification within 60 days of hire.
• Must have a basic understanding of food service operations including familiarity with other dietary position duties.
• Must possess the ability to read, write, and make simple calculations.
• Must be able to learn quickly and apply principles learned.
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions.
• Must be experienced in food preparation, cooking and in estimating quantities of food required.
• Knowledgeable of principles and requirements of sanitation and safety in handling food and equipment.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and withstand temperature extremes, wet and/or humid conditions and noise.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis or at least eight (8) times per shift.
• Must be able to carry heavy objects for 20 feet.
• Must be able to pull, push, grasp, and reach adequately to perform necessary cooking activities.
• Must be organized and work well with people as part of a team.
• Must be in designated uniform (including slip resistant footwear) during working hours and maintain good personal hygiene.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present menu items according to standard recipes.
• Assist DSD with training and supervision of dietary staff.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area at all times, including floors.
• Participate in weekly cleaning routines planned by Dining Services Director.
• Report faulty equipment, broken or chipped tableware and food trays to supervisor, and removes these items from meal service.
• Report incorrect refrigerator and freezer temperatures to supervisor immediately. Must be recorded two times per day.
• Ensure all leftover food is properly cooled, stored, identified and dated.
• Observe good safety practices.
• Monitor and control portion sizes to minimize food waste.
• Remove frozen food items from freezer for next day (or meal) preparation, and begin preparation for next day meal.
• Make appropriate menu substitutions when certain food items are not available. This is to be done only with approval of Dining Services Director.
• Responsible for supervising all assigned duties to ensure kitchen is ready to provide meal service.
• When working evening shift, responsible for ensuring kitchen area is clean and ready for next day operation.
• Take and record food temperatures three (3) times/daily.
• Attend required in-service and staff meetings.
• Will become familiar with specific requests and diets of each resident. Must be alert for changes in residents' dietary needs, as well as likes and dislikes.
• Must be courteous and polite to all residents, visitors, and staff.
• Follow confidentiality policies regarding release of resident information.
• Supervises dietary staff in absence of Dining Services Director and Dining Services Supervisor.
• Assists in training new dietary employees.
• Conduct in-services and training at the direction of Dining Services Director.
• Attends all required in-services and staff meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Serv-Safe

Reading & Writing

Calculations

Quick Learner

Following Directions

Food Preparation

Team Player

Sanitation & Safety

Stamina

Heavy Lifting

Uniform & Hygiene

Flexible Schedule

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Harmony Senior Services in Lorton, Virginia is seeking a dedicated kitchen supervisor/lead cook to manage meal preparation and dining staff. You will train, supervise, and ensure all meals meet recipes, quality, and safety standards.

The role requires Serv-Safe certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days) and strong leadership. Expect a fast-paced environment with evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of a flexible schedule.