Prep Cook

The Gardens Care Homes; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gardens Care Homes is seeking a kitchen teammate to perform food preparation, initial cooking steps, and kitchen cleaning to support efficient service and consistent quality. You will label and stock ingredients, wash and prep produce, measure spices, and coordinate resupply with culinary leadership, while maintaining sanitation and safety standards for residents and staff.

Benefits include teamwork, respect for residents, and opportunities to develop culinary skills in a senior living

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum one year restaurant/senior living or equivalent cooking experience.
• Familiarity with local Health Department/OSHA requirements.
• Experience using Gardens Care systems (Google Workspace, ECP, Sagely, ADP).

Responsibilities

• Maintain sanitation and organization; adhere to quality and presentation standards.
• Label and stock ingredients; wash/chop/sort produce and proteins; measure seasonings; boil/reduce sauces; initiate dish components.
• Clean dishes and cookware; remove trash; sanitize; monitor inventory; coordinate resupply with culinary leadership.
• Support residents and guests with courteous service and teamwork with fellow staff.

Skills

Prep & line support

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety certification

OSHA compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

ECP

Sagely

ADP

Job description

Performs food preparation, initial cooking steps, and kitchen cleaning tasks to support efficient service and consistent quality.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain sanitation and organization; adhere to quality and presentation standards.
• Label and stock ingredients; wash/chop/sort produce and proteins; measure seasonings; boil/reduce sauces; initiate dish components.
• Clean dishes and cookware; remove trash; sanitize; monitor inventory; coordinate resupply with culinary leadership.

Hospitality Standards

• Greet residents, employees, and guests warmly—by name and with a smile. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect; embrace and value our differences. Anticipate needs and act proactively; listen and respond promptly and enthusiastically.
• Hold ourselves and one another accountable; maintain professionalism in conduct and appearance.
• Pay attention to details; ask, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year restaurant/senior living or equivalent cooking experience.

Knowledge/Skills

• Prep and line support; local Health Department/OSHA; communication; teamwork; state‑required food safety certification.
• Comfort using Gardens Care’s approved systems is required: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Meet), ECP (care management), Sagely (life enrichment/ activity documentation), and ADP (timekeeping, payroll, scheduling).

Special Requirements

• Medical clearance per policy.

Tools & Equipment

• Mixers; knives; ovens; steam table; slicer; range; grill; griddle; and standard kitchen equipment.

Physical Activities

• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs.; climb/reach/bend/twist occasionally; stand/walk for most of an 8‑hr day; frequent food handling.

Visual Requirements

• Ability to read/communicate effectively; maintain safety.
• In the course of their duties, employees may encounter residents with a range of medical and health-related needs. Gardens Care upholds comprehensive safety and infection-control standards, equipping staff with training, resources, and protective measures that prioritize the health and dignity of every individual. This approach reflects our commitment to providing care in a manner that is safe, respectful, and supportive for both residents and employees.

Operational Needs

• As members of the Gardens Care team, employees are expected to support reasonable supervisory direction to meet operational needs. Flexibility and teamwork help us maintain exceptional, person-centered service for residents and families.

We believe that the senior community experience should be one of comfort and care. That’s why we offer a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care.