Senior Living Cook: Home-Style Meals & Kind Service

Apple Valley Place - Clear Lake; Clear Lake (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401 (K) matching

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Better Living is seeking a Cook to prepare high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. The role emphasizes batch cooking, dietary needs, safe handling, and mealtime as a community activity, with responsibility for timely service and a clean, organized kitchen.

The Cook will follow recipes, manage dietary requirements, and collaborate with the Dining Services team to ensure consistent, nutritious meals for residents who value dignity and thoughtful care.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurants beyond fast food.
• Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes.
• Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
• Strong time-management and ability to work independently.
• Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor.
• Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods.
• Must pass background checks and state requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu.
• Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements.
• Ensure meals are flavorful, appealing, and resident-centered; manage meal timing for smooth service.
• Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely; maintain sanitary storage areas.
• Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner; collaborate with Dining Services team.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations; maintain required certifications.

Skills

Cooking

Batch cooking

Food safety

Time management

Resident-focused

Physical stamina

Independence

Job description

Better Living is seeking a Cook to prepare high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. The role emphasizes batch cooking, dietary needs, safe handling, and mealtime as a community activity, with responsibility for timely service and a clean, organized kitchen.

The Cook will follow recipes, manage dietary requirements, and collaborate with the Dining Services team to ensure consistent, nutritious meals for residents who value dignity and thoughtful care.