Senior Living Kitchen Helper: Plate & Service

The-Highlands-At-Wyomissing; Wyomissing (Berks County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Highlands at Wyomissing is seeking a part-time Cook's Helper to assist with meal service, plate presentation, portion control, and basic food prep for residents in a senior living community. Candidates with food service experience who enjoy a fast-paced, team environment are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include accurate plate presentation, following dietary guidelines, sanitation, and timely communication with kitchen staff.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of portion control, special diets, plate presentation, and SERV Safe sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently during peak service times while maintaining food quality and presentation standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with kitchen staff and follow supervisor instructions.
• Consistent attendance, adherence to schedules, and compliance with facility policies and confidentiality standards.

Responsibilities

• Serves menu items to residents as deemed by checks/selector tickets.
• Uses proper utensils and portion control of menu items.
• Properly follows special diets and small portion guidelines.
• Follows SERV Safe procedures.
• Ensures food quality by following proper plate presentation, portion sizes and maintains quality of food on serving line at all times.
• Replenishes food items as needed and informs back up cook of needs in appropriate time frames.
• Uses correct sauces, gravies and side dishes designated for menu items.
• Knows menu and ingredients.
• Ensures all food is served at proper temperatures and properly uses production sheets by recording leftovers and temperatures.
• Is able to follow time frames during meal service and keeps up with service during peak meal times.
• Wraps, labels dates and use by dates all items in reach-ins and serving line refrigerators.
• Sweeps and mops floor using proper techniques and ensures all work in done to meet established standards.
• Properly cleans all cooking equipment using proper personal protective equipment and correct cleaning agents.
• Properly clean hoods, follows sanitation checklists and ensures all work is completed to meet established standards.
• Ensure all opening and closing side work is accomplished following all sanitation procedures and guidelines.
• Knows the schedule and works the scheduled hours and days as assigned.
• Follows the time clock procedures by having one’s personal ID card, punching in and out at the correct times.
• Observes the attendance policy, avoids excessive absenteeism, and uses proper Paycom procedures for posting and switching shifts, in addition to getting manager approval.
• Reports deviations of schedule to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Keeps fellow staff members advised of changes in work orders or rules.
• Communicates openly and honestly with fellow staff members and supervisors.
• Keeps confidential information safe and not divulged to outside parties.
• Listens effectively to supervisors, residents and staff.
• Stays current with assigned training.
• Completes sanitation expectations for all areas.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Skills

Food Service & Safety

Time Management

Communication & Teamwork

Reliability & Professionalism

Physical Stamina & Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Highlands at Wyomissing is seeking a part-time Cook's Helper to assist with meal service, plate presentation, portion control, and basic food prep for residents in a senior living community. Candidates with food service experience who enjoy a fast-paced, team environment are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include accurate plate presentation, following dietary guidelines, sanitation, and timely communication with kitchen staff.