Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $19.50 - $21.50
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
flexible spending accounts
Life insurance
401(k) Plan
Paid vacation
Paid sick time
Paid holidays
paid bereavement
Paid jury duty
Complimentary Meals
Opportunities for career advancement
Extensive employer provided training

Job Description

Gallaher Signature Living (GSL) is a premier senior living company dedicated to redefining the experience of aging with compassion, elegance, and excellence. Operating multiple residential communities across California, including locations in Santa Rosa, Alameda, Moorpark, Covina, and their support office in Windsor, GSL offers a range of high-quality services such as Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Their boutique-style communities are thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections and enrich daily life for active older adults. GSL prides itself on delivering personalized experiences that prioritize comfort, safety, and hospitality, setting a new standard for senior living communities in the region.

The Full-time Cook position at GSL’s Laurel Heights community plays a vital role in supporting the mission and values of the organization by ensuring that residents, guests, and team members enjoy a refined and hospitality-driven dining experience. Reporting to the culinary leadership, the Cook is responsible for the preparation and presentation of high-quality meals in strict accordance with approved menus, standardized recipes, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including California Title 22. This position demands an individual committed to upholding the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, safety, and service within an elegant kitchen setting that reflects the boutique nature of the community. The role offers an hourly wage range of $19.50 to $21.50 per hour, depending on experience, making it a competitive opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to impact senior living positively.

The Cook’s responsibilities encompass preparing soups, appetizers, entrées, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts, including meals tailored to modified or special dietary needs. The role requires precise coordination of food production timing to ensure meals are served fresh and attractively, maintaining quality and presentation standards. Compliance with sanitation standards and health department regulations is paramount, requiring diligent handling, cooking, and storage of food items. The Cook is expected to maintain kitchen cleanliness, adhere to portion control and waste reduction measures, and manage proper inventory protocols, including labeling, dating, and rotating food supplies.

Beyond meal preparation, the Cook will assist with special events and community celebrations, work collaboratively with culinary team members including the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, and participate actively in all required training and safety programs such as the Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP) and Universal Precautions. The role also involves supporting marketing and community outreach efforts by maintaining professionalism and warmth when interacting with residents, families, and visitors. The candidate must demonstrate respect and patience, particularly when working with older adults, including those with cognitive impairments. Maintaining required certifications such as Food Handler’s certification, First Aid, and CPR is required, along with passing necessary criminal background checks and health screenings.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals with experience in culinary roles within restaurants, hospitality, or similar food service environments who are looking to make a meaningful impact within a senior living community. Gallaher Signature Living is committed to professional growth, offering extensive training and career advancement prospects. Benefits for full-time employees include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and complimentary meals. Employees also receive paid time off for their anniversary and birthday and have the opportunity to participate in daily team meetings and ongoing education to enhance skills and service delivery. GSL fosters an inclusive work environment consistent with its comprehensive Equal Employment Opportunity policy, ensuring fair hiring and employment practices without discrimination.

Job Requirements

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Minimum of six (6) months' experience as a cook in a restaurant, hospitality, or similar food service environment preferred
  • Ability to safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
  • Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and patiently with older adults, including those with cognitive impairment
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt, prioritize, and work independently
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively for communication and documentation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handler's certification, First Aid, and CPR as required
  • Must pass required criminal background checks and health screenings in accordance with state regulations

Job Qualifications

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Minimum of six (6) months' experience as a cook in a restaurant, hospitality, or similar food service environment preferred
  • Ability to safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
  • Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and patiently with older adults, including those with cognitive impairment
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt, prioritize, and work independently
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively for communication and documentation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handler's certification, First Aid, and CPR as required
  • Must pass required criminal background checks and health screenings in accordance with state regulations

Job Duties

  • Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and production standards, ensuring meals are consistently flavorful, visually appealing, and served at proper temperatures
  • Assist with food preparation for special meals, events, celebrations, and community functions as scheduled
  • Prepare soups, appetizers, entrées, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts for residents, team members, and special events, including meals requiring approved modified or special diets
  • Prepare authorized substitute foods when residents decline menu items, consulting with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding menu adjustments
  • Inspect diet orders and special requests to ensure meals are prepared and served accurately in accordance with approved dietary guidelines
  • Coordinate food production timing to align with scheduled meal service, preserving quality, freshness, and presentation
  • Prepare, handle, and serve food in full compliance with sanitation standards, health department regulations, and company policies
  • Maintain strict portion control, food consistency, and production accuracy to reduce waste and ensure consistency
  • Label, date, store, rotate, and inventory food items according to established food safety and storage protocols
  • Record and monitor cooler and freezer temperatures as required by policy
  • Ensure kitchen, storage areas, and equipment remain clean, orderly, and inspection-ready at all times
  • Dispose of food waste and refuse in accordance with company policy and environmental health standards
  • Adhere to all safety procedures including Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP), Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogen protocols, emergency evacuation and disaster preparedness plans
  • Promptly report safety hazards, sanitation concerns, or occupational exposures
  • Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and culinary team to ensure smooth kitchen operations
  • Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies
  • Open or close the kitchen as scheduled and communicate staffing concerns to supervisory leadership
  • Participate in daily stand-up meetings, scheduled in-services, and required trainings
  • Demonstrate professionalism, tact, and warmth when interacting with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers
  • Support marketing and community outreach efforts by maintaining a welcoming, polished presence during tours and special events
  • Observe residents and report any concerns or notable changes to supervisory staff in accordance with company policy without providing direct care
  • Perform all duties in compliance with California Title 22 regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements
  • Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training as mandated
  • Perform other related duties assigned to support departmental and community operations

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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