Cook (full-time, rotating weekends; $20.43 an hour)

Chicago, IL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $20.43

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Standard Hours

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Vacation and sick time off

BCBSIL medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Employee life insurance

Spousal and dependent life insurance

long term disability insurance

Short term disability insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

competitive pay

Retirement Plan

Supportive team environment

ongoing training and development

Employee purchase discounts

Employee assistance program

Health club discounts

Job Description

CJE SeniorLife is a reputable organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through a variety of services including health care, social services, and community programs. With a mission-driven approach, CJE SeniorLife provides compassionate care and support that addresses the unique needs of seniors, helping them live with dignity and independence. The organization is known for its dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for both its clients and employees. It operates various facilities and programs that are designed to promote wellness, social engagement, and comprehensive care. CJE SeniorLife is also an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They promote a culture that values every team member and encourages professional growth through ongoing training and development.

The Full-Time Cook position offered by CJE SeniorLife is a critical role within their dietary department, dedicated to delivering high-quality meals that meet strict standards for safety, sanitation, and nutritional value. This full-time role includes a shift from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm with rotating weekends and every Friday off, providing a balanced schedule for employees. The compensation for this role is $20.43 per hour, with an additional $0.75 shift differential for second shift and weekend work. The position is unionized, requiring membership in the Service Employees International Union Local 73 as a condition of employment.

As a Cook at CJE SeniorLife, the individual will work closely with the dietary team to ensure food is prepared according to established menus, recipes, and portion sizes. The role emphasizes compliance with all state and local health codes, strict adherence to personal hygiene policies, and active participation in required trainings and staff meetings. The cook will be responsible for producing and plating meals efficiently and maintaining proper food and equipment temperatures, ensuring safety and quality at every stage. They will handle kitchen equipment, follow food handling and sanitation standards rigorously, and maintain a clean and organized work environment. Attention to detail is paramount, including ensuring proper food presentation, following first-in-first-out stock rotation, and adhering to CJE SeniorLife policies and procedures.

The role is not only about food preparation but also about fostering a positive and professional demeanor towards residents, visitors, and coworkers, reinforcing CJE SeniorLife’s commitment to a respectful and caring community. Physical demands of the job include standing for extended periods, operating kitchen equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, which requires physical stamina and manual dexterity. This position requires the individual to pass the Illinois Food Handler Course within 60 days of hire, maintain certification, and meet all state and local health requirements for food handlers. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including BCBSIL medical insurance, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement for certain healthcare roles, retirement plan, paid time off, and various employee discounts. The Cook role at CJE SeniorLife is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to work in a mission-driven and supportive team environment focused on delivering exceptional service and care to a valued community demographic.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred
Two to three years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience
Pass Illinois Food Handler Course within 60 days of hire
Maintain valid food handlers permit
Ability to comply with state and local health codes
Ability to maintain personal hygiene standards
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
Ability to work rotating weekends
Membership in Service Employees International Union Local 73
Ability to attend required training sessions and meetings

Job Qualifications

Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
Possess knowledge, skill and/or ability required for the role
Pass Illinois Food Handler Course within 60 days of hire
Maintain food handler certification throughout employment
High school diploma or GED preferred or two to three years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence and memos
Ability to write simple correspondence
Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group situations
Meet state and local health requirements for food handlers
Possess valid food handlers permit
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, fractions and decimals
Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent
Ability to draw and interpret bar graphs
Display customer service behavior focused on service, quality and satisfaction
Physical ability to meet demands of job including manual dexterity and vision requirements

Job Duties

Comply with all state and local health codes for food handling
Adhere to the personal hygiene policy
Attend all required training, in services, and staff meetings
Meet all department training standards through regulatory training and/or other necessary training modules as required
Maintain a positive and professional demeanor toward all residents, visitors and coworkers
Follow safety precautions to prevent accidents in food preparation
Avoid waste of products and time to affect budgets
Maintain a safe working environment through accident prevention, equipment preservation, and safe working practices
Perform other duties as assigned
Produce and cook food according to menus, recipes and portions established by Chef
Ensure all meals are produced in a timely manner and line is ready 30 minutes prior to each meal period
Ensure proper food and equipment temperatures are maintained according to guidelines
Prepare pre-meal tasting plates for all pre-shift meetings
Operate applicable kitchen equipment with knowledge of food items
Maintain food handling, safety and sanitation standards during preparation, serving and cleanup
Set up and break down cook line orderly and transport product to serving area and proper storage
Keep work area and serving line equipment clean and adhere to sanitation cleaning schedules
Ensure quality and visual presentation of food
Exhibit proper cutting skills and knife safety adherence
Assist other associates to complete all kitchen duties within time constraints
Exhibit a cheerful and helpful manner when dealing with customers
Rotate food supply stocks on FIFO system and properly label, date and store perishables
Perform duties in adherence to CJE SeniorLife standards
Follow all policies and procedures of CJE SeniorLife and directives of the local community
Adhere to specifications and guidelines established by chef/director
Perform other duties as assigned