Cook I

Cedarfield is a distinguished senior living community recognized as a Top Richmond Workplace for seven consecutive years. Dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where age does not define an individual, Cedarfield embraces a mission of Enriching Life's Journey. This mission drives the team to deliver services that prioritize autonomy and self-direction for residents across various living settings including cottages, apartments, assisted living, memory support, and nursing residences. The community is built on core values such as Culture, Stewardship, Partnership, Diversity, Hospitality, and Quality, creating a solid framework that guides daily operations and enhances the overall resident experience.

The Cook position at Cedarfield is a critical role responsible for preparing nutritious and high-quality meals that meet the diverse dietary needs of residents and team members. This role functions within a dynamic kitchen environment serving Independent Living, Assisted Living, Healthcare Services, team member dining, and special functions. The shift schedule comprises primarily 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., supplemented by one 4-hour shift, including working every other weekend, offering a structured yet varied work pattern.

In this role, the Cook ensures adherence to established recipes and production guidelines, preparing entrees, soups, starches, vegetables, and salads that contribute to a wholesome dining experience. The individual handles all aspects of food preparation including batch cooking and utility tasks as directed by supervisors, while maintaining strict sanitation standards across work areas to comply with safety and cleanliness regulations. Emphasis is placed on careful food storage practices such as sealing, labeling, and dating items before refrigeration or freezing.

The Cook works closely with culinary leadership including the Chef and Sous Chef, contributing to menu planning and offering suggestions for improvements in production or recipes. Additionally, the role involves overseeing food storage units like walk-ins and refrigerators to optimize food utilization and reduce waste. Accountability for maintaining sanitary conditions extends to cleaning utensils, equipment, floors, and work surfaces, fostering a hygienic kitchen environment.

Quality control and portion management are paramount responsibilities, ensuring that all meals served meet high culinary standards and resident satisfaction is achieved consistently. The cook also supports inventory management by assisting in ordering food items and conducting daily inspections of pantries to correct deficiencies or report issues to management.

This position requires a fundamental knowledge of kitchen operations, ingredient offerings, and the ability to comply with Health Department regulations concerning food storage, preparation, and service. Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, extensive walking, bending, stooping, and working in a fast-paced, multi-task environment. Effective communication skills and the ability to understand both verbal and written instructions in English are essential.

Cedarfield offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes double-time pay for holidays, paid time off with a cash-out option, holiday pay, full health, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to team members, and retirement matching. Additional advantages include paid personal days, free parking, cash advances on paychecks, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability options, immunizations, tuition assistance, and referral bonuses. The company also enforces a vaccination policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against the annual flu, subject to accommodation for medical or religious reasons.

Joining Cedarfield as a Cook means becoming part of a team focused on person-centered service within a supportive and quality-driven community. This role provides an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about culinary arts and elder care to contribute meaningfully to enriching residents' lives through exceptional dining experiences.