Cook

Do you enjoy preparing delicious meals?  Are you compassionate and have a longing to serve individuals who may struggle with health and physical limitations? Would you like to foster your passion for the culinary arts?

If you are interested in joining a team that recognizes your dedication and passion for excellence in food and hospitality, consider joining our team of food professionals.  At The Laurels of Coldwater, a beautifully crafted meal can put a smile on someone's face and make their day.

The Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for residents in accordance with prescribed menus, dietary restrictions, and sanitation standards. This role ensures a positive dining experience for residents by following safe food-handling practices, maintaining a clean work environment, and collaborating closely with dietary staff to support resident health, satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

Join us with an attractive benefits offering:

• Competitive pay
• State of Michigan Direct Care Worker (DCW) Premium pay $.85
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with matching funds
• Life Insurance
• Employee discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Reimbursement

Responsibilities:

A Cook at The Laurels prepares delicious, nourishing and well-balanced meals to meet the daily nutritional and special dietary needs of each guest. In addition, the cook:

• In the absence of the Chef and/or Certified Dietary Manager, supervises the culinary center’s employees.
• Handles and stores all food according to facility procedures, safe food handling guidelines, state and federal requirements. 
• Follow standardized recipes. 
• Prepare foods that correspond to the menu cycles developed by Registered Dietitians. 
• Cooks or prepares palatable, attractive and nutritionally adequate meals in quantities that are served at the proper temperatures and within the appropriate time frames. 
• Uses food supplies and equipment in an efficient and economic manner to prevent waste. 
• Prepares and maintains a supply of food alternates to accommodate resident choices and refusals of food served. 
• Supervises culinary staff regarding food storage, food preparation, tray assembly, and cleaning. 
• Operates institutional food preparation equipment according to manufacturer and supervisory direction.  Follows proper cleaning and preventative maintenance schedules. 
• Inspects trays following meal service to monitor resident acceptance of menu items.  Reports findings to Certified Dietary Manager. 
• Handles, stores and disposes of raw and prepared food items in accordance with company and facility procedures and in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Education and/or Experience:   

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• One year experience as a cook in an institutional food service setting preferred or acceptable exemption required.
• Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and infection control practices. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:   

• None

Ciena Healthcare 

We are a national organization of skilled nursing, subacute, rehabilitative, and assisted living providers dedicated to achieving the highest standards of care in Michigan and Ohio. We serve our residents with compassion, concern, and excellence, believing that every one of them is a unique person who deserves our best each day that we care for them. Join us, if you have a passion for improving the lives of those around you and working with others who feel the same way.