Cook

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

To prepare nutritious, appetizing, and attractive meals from scratch, while working as a team with other food services members to provide smooth, efficient and safe operation of the kitchen area. All policies and procedures of Hawthorn Senior Living must be followed, including following Hawthorn menus and portion control requirements. This position is considered a universal employee worker and will be crossed trained in other positions as directed by the Community Executive Chef.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Two years experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking.
• Ability to read and prepare recipes provided by Hawthorn Senior Living.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow food service sanitation practices.
• Maintains food handlers permit as necessary to fulfill state or provincial regulations.
• Maintains CPR and first aid certification as necessary to fulfill state or provincial regulations.

• Embodies a patient and creative attitude with the ability to “think outside the box.”
• Demonstrates a commitment to and respect for all individuals.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with residents and staff.
• Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making.
• Asks questions and seeks assistance.
• Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple work duties.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, taking into consideration body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing and questions with co-workers and residents of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrates ability to work efficiently and pleasantly in an extremely busy work environment, to deal with difficult situations in a calm manner and be a team player.
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet department and position timelines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular, on-site, attendance and punctuality is required as scheduled.
• Takes responsibility for maintaining current knowledge of the Hawthorn Senior Living Employee Handbook. 
• Adheres to all Company policies, procedures and standards.

• Review menus and daily log for instructions.
• Prepare meals following Hawthorn Senior Living menus and recipes.
• Use portion control policies.
• Follow safe food handling procedures.
• Ensure that food, supplies and appropriate personnel are available for the meals planned.
• Oversee preparation of serving carts.
• Serve food attractively and punctually.
• Follow proper procedures for covering, dating, labeling and storing of food in a timely manner and complete leftover logs.
• Clean up following the meals. Clean-up will include the area in which the meal is prepared and served, cleaning pots and pans, kitchen surfaces, walls, and floors. Follow the cleaning schedule.
• Resolve food complaints as required. Focus on resident satisfaction.
• Always treat residents, potential residents, their families, staff, and guests with dignity and respect regardless of the behavior or situation that arises.
• Oversees food services staff in absence of the Community Executive Chef or Sous Chef.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Community Executive Chef.
• May be assigned to any other job function in the Community on a relief basis.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs all work assigned for the agreed-upon salary, accepting no additional payment or non-perishable gifts from residents, vendors, or others.
• Use timekeeping system to report hours worked on a daily basis, as well as the start and stop times of your meal periods.
• Meets the assigned work requirements of the job.
• Adheres to dress/appearance code. Changes in attire may be dictated by special occasion or weather conditions. If you have questions, check with your Community Executive Chef.
• Promotes resident advocacy and demonstrate excellent customer service at all times.
• Serves as a role model for all employees by displaying a responsible, cooperative, and positive attitude.
• Represents the Company and the community in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner when in the public.

• Understands safe and proper chemical use and adheres to safety protocols. This includes using personal protective equipment when necessary.

• Attend education and training classes as necessary to fulfill company training requirements and/or state regulations applicable to the position.
• Maintain personnel, resident, and business proprietary and/or confidential matters/material in strict confidence with management of the company (and/or other company staff as needed).

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment background checks, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by law. Hawthorn Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• At Hawthorn Senior Living, we offer competitive compensation and a robust benefits package designed to support our employees' well‑being. Benefits may include paid time off; medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage; and supplemental life insurance. Eligible employees may also participate in a 401(k) plan with a company‑determined match and have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Beyond benefits, we are proud of our unique culture and enjoy celebrating our team throughout the year.