Cook - Full-Time

Homestead Hills is a distinguished luxury senior living company recognized as a Great Place to Work. The company is driven by core values of compassion, respect, and dedication, ensuring that every interaction with residents and team members is meaningful and impactful. Homestead Hills fosters a culture that prioritizes growth, teamwork, and the enrichment of lives, operating under the principle 'People First.' Within this supportive environment, employees are valued, respected, and given opportunities to flourish professionally while contributing to the well-being of the community based on genuine care and service. Their commitment to creating an exceptional living experience for seniors is reflected through the quality and personalization of services provided across all community interactions.

The role of Cook at Homestead Hills is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who aspire to leadership and excellence in kitchen operations. This position is considered a Sous Chef in training and is integral to the Independent Living restaurant. It requires strong culinary fundamentals and a passion for preparing high-quality food from scratch, following standardized recipes and instructions that meet Senior Living Communities' and Wellmore standards. The role demands familiarity with various cooking methods, refined knife skills, and an understanding of station management including opening, closing, and preparation duties. Typical working hours are from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and Sunday brunch shifts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ideal candidate will have experience in fine dining or contemporary casual dining, and while ServSafe certification is preferred, Homestead Hills provides assistance to obtain this.

The Cook will actively participate in leadership and training activities, including mentoring new cooks through the Culinary Pathways program, planning community activities, and maintaining inventory basics. This role requires collaboration between front and back of house, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and portion control. A culture of safety and adherence to food handling protocols are crucial, alongside maintaining detailed documentation such as temperature charts and records. Open communication with all community departments and support from the Home Office ensures that residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle called the 'Weller Life.'

Candidates should exhibit competencies in technical skills specific to culinary arts, effective communication, initiative, flexibility, interpersonal skills, teamwork, professionalism, and ethics aligned with Homestead Hills' guiding principles: People First, Always; We Exist to Serve our Members; and We Have a Responsibility to be Full. Physical demands include standing for extended periods, sufficient manual dexterity, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The work environment involves exposure to kitchen-related noises, cleaning chemicals, heat, and cold, as well as emotional challenges related to working with senior populations.

Educationally, a high school diploma or GED is required, paired with 1-2 years of relevant culinary experience. Culinary training and ServSafe certification enhance candidacy, with the latter provided support by the employer if needed. The role requires fluency in English, dependable attendance and punctuality, the ability to use various office equipment and software, follow directions meticulously, and work with minimal supervision. This position offers a pathway to leadership within a company dedicated to service and workplace excellence, inviting passionate culinary professionals to join a company that truly puts people at the heart of everything it does.