Chef - Culinary Services in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Park Village Pines

Join our dedicated team as a Chef and help deliver safe, nutritious, and appealing meals that enhance our residents' quality of life. In this vital role, you will lead the kitchen operations with a focus on resident satisfaction, dietary compliance, and team collaboration. Your expertise will help create a welcoming dining experience that honors individual preferences and dietary needs while promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life for all residents.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop, plan, and prepare menus and meals in accordance with resident needs, dietary requirements, food safety standards, production goals, and appropriate portion sizes.

- Follow all dietary guidelines, including physician-ordered diets, food allergies, texture modifications, and thickened-liquid requirements.

- Ensure meals are served in a timely manner, are visually appealing, and meet quality standards.

- Maintain high standards of sanitation, safety, and food handling practices in compliance with health regulations.

- Lead and supervise kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, training, and a positive work environment.

- Monitor inventory levels, manage food supplies responsibly, and minimize waste.

- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and dietary staff to accommodate individual resident needs and preferences.

- Uphold hospitality standards by providing courteous and respectful service to residents during mealtimes.

Skills and Qualifications:

- Proven experience in food preparation, preferably in a healthcare, senior living, or institutional setting.

- Knowledge of dietary restrictions, texture-modified diets, and food allergy management.

- Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.

- Excellent leadership and team management skills.

- Ability to follow detailed recipes and dietary instructions accurately.

- Good communication skills and a compassionate approach to resident care.

- Certification in food safety or culinary arts is preferred.

- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.

We foster a culture of respect, growth, and community, offering opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference through your culinary expertise and compassionate service.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts degree, certification, or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.
• Two or more years of commercial culinary experience; senior living, healthcare, or hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience required.
• Current Food Safety Manager or Food Handler certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the employer’s required timeframe.
• Working knowledge of high-volume food production, modified diets, allergens, portion control, sanitation, and safe equipment use.
• Ability to read recipes, diet instructions, production sheets, labels, safety information, and to complete basic calculations.
• Dependable attendance, sound judgment, respectful communication, and a service-focused attitude toward older adults.
• Ability to regularly stand and walk for extended periods and to bend, reach, push, and pull.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand motions and work near heat, steam, sharp utensils, wet floors, and cleaning products.