Culinary Specialist

The Aspenwood Company is seeking a skilled Culinary Specialist to join our team at our Village on the Park Denton location, a senior living community. This is a full-time opportunity with a competitive hourly rate of $21.

Job Summary:

The Culinary Specialist will be responsible for preparing, producing, heating, cooking, baking, and serving a variety of foods from fresh, canned, dry, or frozen states according to recipes. This role will also involve assisting in other related tasks in a designated food service production and/or service area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepares or assists in preparation of complete meals, including soups, meats, gravies, vegetables, desserts, salads, baked goods, etc.
• Complies with all special dietary needs or restrictions of residents.
• Monitors all food items for compliance with guidelines for temperature, taste, and quality.
• Cooks food in various utensils or grillers.
• Checks food while cooking to stir or turn.
• Tastes food to determine quality and palatability.
• Ensures great presentation by dressing dishes before they are served.
• Keeps a sanitized and orderly environment in the kitchen, ensuring all equipment is cleaned, working properly, and turned off before closing.
• Ensures all food and other items are stored properly.
• Checks quality of ingredients.
• Monitors stock and, upon approval of direct supervisor, places orders when there are shortages.
• Complies with nutrition and sanitation guidelines, including governmental and company policies for food handling and proper documentation of compliance.
• Assists with orientation and training of new kitchen staff.
• Maintains or exceeds standards of appearance, cleanliness, and personal hygiene.
• Attends all inservices as required.
• Member of the community's emergency response team.
• Maintains a professional appearance and good personal hygiene per company policies.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED, training from a culinary school will be an asset.
• Must be or become within 60 days an accredited food handler per State guidelines.
• Six months to one year proven experience as a cook.
• Experience in using cutting tools, cookware, and bakeware.
• Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.).
• Ability to follow all sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent physical condition and stamina.

EOE/M/F/D/V