Cook/Shift Lead - Full-Time - 2nd shift

Cook/Shift Lead - Hultquist Place
Jamestown, NY, US

Full-Time | 2nd Shift (12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Minimum of 37.5 hours/week)
Schedule: Every other weekend and at least 1 day off during the week
Salary Range: $16 Minimum to $21.50 Maximum

Purpose of the Position:

The Cook/Shift Lead is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for residents, staff, and guests while ensuring compliance with food safety standards and established recipes. This role also provides leadership and oversight during assigned shifts, ensuring smooth kitchen operations, maintaining sanitation standards, and supporting Dietary staff. The ideal candidate will be an experienced cook with leadership potential or prior supervisory experience in a health-related food service environment.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma preferred

• Experience in food preparation is required

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in dietary or related health care food service is preferred

• Minimum 1–3 years of supervisory experience preferred

• Formal training in food services or membership in a related professional organization is a plus

• Ability to follow recipes and standardized procedures

• Strong communication, decision-making, and time management skills

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepares, cooks, and serves meals according to standardized recipes and menu plans

• Practices accurate portion control and weighing/measuring of ingredients

• Ensures meals meet required quality, quantity, and temperature standards

• Conducts taste testing and monitors food temperatures throughout service

• Prepares ingredients and components for upcoming meals (e.g., roasting meats, chopping vegetables, baking)

Leadership & Supervision

• Leads and supervises Dietary staff during assigned shifts, promoting teamwork and efficiency

• Opens and/or closes the kitchen based on shift assignment

• Assists with staffing needs and may help interview, train, and evaluate staff

• Supports and may help administer employee performance and disciplinary processes under the Director’s guidance

• Facilitates daily workflow and communicates clearly with staff and management

• Manages unexpected changes and provides support across departments as needed

Sanitation & Safety

• Maintains a clean and organized workstation, kitchen, equipment, and dining room

• Follows proper procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and equipment maintenance

• Observes all safety rules and reports unsafe conditions or equipment promptly

• Works with the Maintenance team to ensure a safe kitchen environment

Administrative & Communication Duties

• Maintains accurate records (temperature logs, check sheets, etc.)

• Uses office equipment as needed (computer, copier, phone, etc.)

• Communicates effectively with residents, families, nursing staff, and other departments

• Participates in regular team meetings and staff development activities

Core Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability

• Effective under pressure and able to manage change

• Organized and efficient in kitchen operations

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Commitment to resident satisfaction and high-quality food service
  
  

Join a team that makes a difference in the lives of our residents through exceptional meals and compassionate care. Apply today to become a part of the Hultquist Place family!

Lutheran Social Services is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.