Line Cook

Harbor's Edge/Fort Norfolk Retirement Community; Norfolk (VA); On-site; AUD 62,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off + Six Paid Holidays

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/ E'},

Employer Paid - Short-term and Long‑h;

Job summary

Harbor’s Edge, a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community, is seeking a full-time Line Cook to support our five-star dining team in Norfolk, VA. You will prepare meals for residents across independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, following approved menus and therapeutic diets.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in healthcare or high-volume food service, a Food Handler’s Certification, and strong teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience in a CCRC or senior living environment preferred, including long-term care, assisted living, or memory support.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare, long-term care, or high-volume food service.
• Food Handler’s Certification required; ServSafe preferred or ability to obtain.
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic diets, texture-modified meals, nutrition standards, and institutional food service practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for residents in a CCRC environment, ensuring consistency across independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care diets.
• Follow therapeutic and modified diet orders (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, texture-modified) as directed by culinary and care teams.
• Work closely with chefs, dietitians, and nursing staff to ensure resident dietary needs and preferences are met.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards in accordance with healthcare regulations.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, storage, and rotation of food items (FIFO method).
• Monitor food quality during preparation and service, making adjustments as needed to maintain standards.
• Assist with inventory control, prep work, and stocking of stations to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Respond professionally to special resident requests and accommodate dietary restrictions as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout all shifts, including end-of-shift cleaning and sanitation.
• Support banquet, special event, and catered functions within the community as needed.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen team members to ensure smooth service and timely meal delivery.
• Adhere to all workplace safety procedures, including proper use of kitchen equipment and PPE.
• Participate in ongoing culinary training and maintain knowledge of senior living dining trends and standards.

Skills

Teamwork

Food safety

Attention to detail

Communication

Dietary modification knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Description

Harbor’s Edge is a premier 5-star Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. Our community offers a full continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing services.

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2025 Best Senior Living Community, Harbor’s Edge has earned top honors for Activities & Enrichment, Feels Like Home, and Food & Dining, reflecting our commitment to exceptional resident experiences and quality care.

We are seeking full-time Line Cooks to join our five-star dining team. The ideal candidate will have experience in senior living environments such as long-term care, assisted living, or memory support, along with a passion for serving older adults.

Responsibilities include preparing meals according to approved menus and standardized recipes while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety and sanitation regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and cook meals for residents in a CCRC environment, ensuring consistency across independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care diets.
• Follow therapeutic and modified diet orders (e.g., low sodium, diabetic, texture-modified) as directed by culinary and care teams.
• Work closely with chefs, dietitians, and nursing staff to ensure resident dietary needs and preferences are met.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards in accordance with healthcare regulations.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, storage, and rotation of food items (FIFO method).
• Monitor food quality during preparation and service, making adjustments as needed to maintain standards.
• Assist with inventory control, prep work, and stocking of stations to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Respond professionally to special resident requests and accommodate dietary restrictions as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout all shifts, including end-of-shift cleaning and sanitation.
• Support banquet, special event, and catered functions within the community as needed.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen team members to ensure smooth service and timely meal delivery.
• Adhere to all workplace safety procedures, including proper use of kitchen equipment and PPE.
• Participate in ongoing culinary training and maintain knowledge of senior living dining trends and standards.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED required; culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience in a CCRC or senior living environment preferred, including long-term care, assisted living, or memory support.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare, long-term care, or high-volume food service.
• Food Handler’s Certification required; ServSafe preferred or ability to obtain.
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic diets, texture-modified meals, nutrition standards, and institutional food service practices.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards in healthcare settings.
• Ability to prepare, plate, and serve meals with accuracy, quality, portion control, and attention to detail.
• Experience with large-scale meal production across multiple levels of care (IL, AL, skilled nursing, memory care).
• Ability to follow recipes and dietary instructions accurately while adapting to special requests and menu changes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills with culinary and clinical staff.
• Commitment to resident rights, confidentiality, and service excellence.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Physically able to lift up to 40 lbs and safely operate standard kitchen equipment.

Comprehensive Benefit Package includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off + Six Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan w/ Employer Contribution
• Employer Paid - Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employer Paid - Short-term and Long-term Insurance
• College Tuition Reimbursement
• Employer Paid - Certification Training
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Legal Resources & Identity Protection Plan

*Benefit offerings vary according to employment status.

EEO/D/V