Sous Chef ~ Senior Living Community ~ Mission Viejo

MorningStar Senior Living is a respected provider in the senior living industry, dedicated to creating a warm and compassionate environment for its treasured residents. They are committed to fostering an exceptional culture that celebrates both their resident-heroes and the hardworking staff who make a real difference in their lives. This company values servant leadership and seeks individuals who not only have great hearts but are passionate about contributing positively to the community. MorningStar Senior Living insists that a transformative culture is essential to elevate lives and foster a workplace where both residents and employees thrive.

The Sous Chef position at MorningStar Senior Living is a full-time opportunity that plays a critical role in delivering nutritious and appetizing meals to senior residents. With a pay range of $28.00 to $32.00 per hour, this non-exempt role works from 11:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., with scheduled working days to be discussed during the community interview process. The Sous Chef is entrusted with the responsibility of preparing and cooking a wide variety of foods in large quantities, adhering to special dietary needs, seasoning preferences, cooking times, and temperature controls. The role demands expertise in estimating food quantities to limit waste and creatively utilizing leftovers while ensuring meals look appealing and meet the nutritional requirements of the community.

This role also includes the professional challenge and growth opportunity of stepping into the Executive Chef's responsibilities in their absence. These duties encompass menu planning and writing, scheduling, product ordering, and supervisory tasks over multiple kitchens and a sizable team, which may include up to 45 cooks, dishwashers, apprentices, and front-of-house serving staff. The Sous Chef must be well-versed in maintaining safety and sanitation standards in compliance with county and state regulations to protect the health and well-being of residents.

MorningStar Senior Living emphasizes career development, offering pathways for advancement within the company alongside comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accident, and critical illness insurance programs. Additionally, they provide a 401k plan with matching, HSA options, employee assistance programs, paid sick, vacation, and even birthday leave. Employees also enjoy free shift meals, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to participate in charitable and philanthropic activities. As a team member who works more than 24 hours a week, the individual, along with their family, becomes eligible for these benefits.

The ideal candidate for the Sous Chef role embodies MorningStar Senior Living's core values of love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness, and respect. Prior experience in a healthcare dietary department is preferred, though what matters most is the commitment to providing great care and enhancing the residents' quality of life through excellent culinary skills and a compassionate approach. Fluency in English reading and writing is necessary to perform job duties effectively. This role offers a meaningful career path that blends culinary expertise with heartfelt service in a supportive and rewarding environment.