Located at 505 College Ave, Ottawa, IL, Pleasant View Senior Living, we are Thomas Cuisine, an award-winning, privately held contract food service company founded in 1986. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Every Thomas Cuisine team member is an ambassador, carrying out our mission, reflecting our values, and building relationships while "doing the right thing".

Joining our team offers you access to supportive colleagues, cutting-edge learning technologies, employee wellness benefits, and more.

As a Cook, under the guidance and direction of our Executive Chef in the kitchen of our Senior Living Community, you are a vital part of enhancing the daily lives of our residents. You do more than just prepare meals; you create moments of joy and comfort by preparing delicious food. Your culinary expertise will not only satisfy appetites but will contribute to the overall well-being of our residents. Each dish you prepare will bring smiles to the faces of those we serve.

Job Specific Duties:

• Reviews menus and assembles all items needed for preparation.
• Follows standard recipes and production sheets to achieve nutritious, high-quality, cost-effective meals.
• Evaluates food preparation and recommends changes to improve operations.
• Follows kitchen opening/closing procedures and handles food and equipment following sanitation and safety practices.
• Assists with training new Food Service personnel.
• Reports repairs and maintenance needs to the Supervisor.
• Meets time deadlines for tray line, cafeteria service, and catering.
• Utilizes progressive cooking procedures to ensure optimum quality products.
• Utilizes appropriate garnishing and food presentation techniques to ensure optimum quality.
• Follows daily prep and pull schedules as indicated in guidelines.
• Weights and measures ingredients for the following day's production, keeping food refrigerated as needed and using proper thawing procedures.
• Documents supply acquisitions appropriately, both when ordering and removing items from the storeroom.
• Rotates supplies and maintains an orderly inventory at a minimum per level.
• Ensures the safety of food prepared by following safe sanitary food handling practices—hot food hot and cold food cold.
• Follows specified cleaning procedures for all cooking equipment.
• Utilizes proper food storage practices—cover, label, and date.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical And Sensory Requirements:

• Requires mobility to stand and walk extensively during meal preparation and service.
• Lifting, carrying trays, and boxes, up to 25 pounds.
• Pushing/Pulling Food Hot Boxes up to 50 pounds.
• Bending and stooping for access to carts, food, trays, and other kitchen equipment.
• Manual dexterity for the use of kitchen utensils and tools.
• Visual acuity for reading menus, labels, and directions.
• Hearing ability to respond to verbal communications.
• Exposure to hot and cold temperatures.
• Taste and Smell to assess food quality, freshness, and adherence to dietary requirements.
• Ability to distinguish colors for food presentation.

Ensuring that Cooks meet these physical and sensory requirements is crucial to their ability to contribute effectively to the well-being of a well-run, safe, and functioning kitchen.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

Our commitment to you is to foster a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with several plan options.
• Generous Accrued Paid Time Off and Leave programs.
• 401K Retirement Plan with company match.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability.
• Holiday Pay on worked Holidays.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Access to wellness initiatives, financial planning, and behavioral health assistance.

• 18 years or older, pending specific state requirements.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Prior experience in a professional kitchen preferred.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Successful background check and drug screen, state-specific.
• Health screening and TB tests, state-specific.
• ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handlers Card, state-specific.
• Ability to read, speak, write, and comprehend English for recipes.
• The ability to work holiday and weekend shift schedules.