Lead Institutional Cook - Healthcare

Hebrew SeniorLife, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated senior care leader, seeks a First Cook to prepare high-quality, nutritious meals for older adults in a healthcare setting. The First Cook leads day-to-day production, ensuring recipes and menus are executed accurately, safely, and on time. Responsibilities include hot and cold food preparation, proper portioning, adherence to dietary and texture-modified needs, and maintaining strict sanitation and allergen controls. The role supports a mission-driven, collaborative team, contributes to resident satisfaction, and mentors kitchen staff in a respectful, inclusive environment focused on learning and quality care.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items to standardized recipes for senior residents
• Ensure all food meets quality, presentation, and temperature standards
• Support therapeutic and texture-modified diets in coordination with clinical teams
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and allergen control procedures
• Lead or direct kitchen staff during meal production and service
• Monitor inventory, assist with ordering, and minimize waste
• Set up, break down, and clean workstations and equipment
• Collaborate with dietary and nursing staff to support resident satisfaction

Required Skills

• Hot food preparation
• Cold food preparation
• Menu execution
• Food safety and sanitation
• Allergen-safe food handling
• Batch cooking
• Knife skills
• Quantity and portion control
• Inventory and stock rotation
• Team leadership