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Are you a natural leader in the kitchen? Do you have a passion for food and a heart for service? Join Woodcrest's award-winning Culinary Team as a Full-Time Cook!

As a Cook at Woodcrest of Country Manor in St. Joseph, MN, you'll help oversee the daily operations of our culinary team, working closely with the Culinary Director to ensure every meal is prepared with care, quality, and safety. This role is a great fit for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring others, and takes pride in creating delicious and nutritious meals for our residents.

You'll be a key part of a team that makes a real impact—helping provide not just meals, but comfort and joy to the people who call Woodcrest home.

What your days will look like as a Cook at Woodcrest:

As a Cook, you'll play a vital role in supporting and supervising our culinary team. You'll ensure meals are prepared to the highest standards of quality, safety, and presentation while leading by example in both the kitchen and the dining room. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in special events such as Candlelight Dinners, Easter Brunch, Family Holiday Celebration, Birthdays, Patio Parties, Oktoberfest, and so much more!

Other Responsibilities Include:

+ Lead and assist others in preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals across all dining areas, following established menus and dietary standards.

+ Train and supervise staff on preparing texture-modified meals according to IDDSI guidelines.

+ Support menu planning with the Culinary Director, considering nutritional needs, preferences, and special diets.

+ Coordinate the preparation and delivery of snack carts, water pitchers, and bag lunches.

+ Oversee the setup and cleanup for special events like funerals, parties, meetings, and open houses.

+ Ensure meals are served on time, at the right temperatures, and are visually appealing—conducting quality audits as needed.

+ Assist with staff scheduling, mentoring team members, and covering cook shifts as needed.

+ Maintain a well-stocked kitchen and ensure all equipment is clean, sanitized, and functioning properly.

+ Manage food orders and inventory, ensuring cost-effective purchasing while meeting quality standards.

+ Collaborate with the Director to prepare menus and maintain standardized recipes.

+ Monitor food storage areas, maintain FIFO standards, and supervise cooler/freezer temperature logs.

+ Keep up to date with food safety regulations and help ensure our kitchen exceeds them.

+ Conduct trainings, supervision, and support to culinary staff to ensure high standards in food safety, plating, and kitchen operations as needed.

+ Support resident engagement by participating in Food Council meetings and gathering feedback to guide improvements as requested.

+ Help maintain accurate records like waste logs and food substitution forms.

+ Take on other duties as needed to support the success of the Culinary Department.

Our ideal candidate:

We're seeking a strong, compassionate leader with a passion for food and a commitment to quality care. The ideal candidate is experienced, organized, and ready to jump in and make a difference.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Previous experience in food preparation, handling, storage, and sanitation—especially in a senior living care setting.

+ Strong knowledge of safe food handling, nutrition, infection control, and applicable state/federal regulations.

+ Prior experience mentoring a team preferred, but not required.

+ Familiarity with IDDSI standards and meal planning tools is a plus.

+ Comfortable using computers and kitchen-related technology.

+ Certified Food Manager, or willing to obtain certification within 6 months.

+ Excellent time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

+ Able to work well independently and as part of a collaborative team.

+ Kind, patient, and respectful in interactions with both residents and staff.

+ Familiarity or passion for baking a bonus as our resident love desserts!

Physical & General Requirements:

This role requires someone who is physically active, comfortable being on their feet, and able to safely lift and carry items as needed. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and be mentally and physically capable of meeting the demands of a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Benefits & Perks for Eligible Employees:

At Country Manor, we believe in enriching lives - those of our residents, and those of our employees. We're committed to supporting, encouraging, and investing in employees with a long-term passion for the healthcare industry, setting us apart from other employers. We'll care for you as you care for others through our extensive array of benefits and programs designed specifically for your personal and professional development.

Health & Wellness

+ Rich benefits package including Paid Time Off, Sick Pay, and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) - available to you after just one hour of work

+ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

+ FSA/HSA with Employer contribution

+ Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account (DCFSA)

+ Life Insurance provided at no cost to you

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance

+ Voluntary Pre-Tax Benefits Options including Accident Insurance, Cancer Insurance, and Hospital Confinement Insurance

+ Voluntary After-Tax Benefits Options including Short-Term Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Term-Life Insurance, Whole Life Insurance

+ 401(k) program with an employer match of up to 4%, helping you grow your retirement savings faster

+ Employee Assistance Program - A free, confidential program offering resources for mental and emotional well-being, legal services, financial wellness consultations, and more.

*Please note that some benefits are available only for employees working 60 hrs+/pp.

A Culture Of Appreciation

+ Longevity Bonuses

+ Year-End Appreciation Gifts and Routine Wage Increases

+ Annual Staff Appreciation Week featuring large prizes, a grand celebration, and more

+ Consistent recognition efforts throughout the year to celebrate you and your contributions

+ Excellent advancement opportunities, with over 20 unique departments for employment

Additional Amenities For Staff

+ Take advantage of discounted childcare at Kids Country (https://www.kidscountry.me/), our award-winning childcare center, located at Country Manor Campus in Sartell. Available for children ages 6 weeks through 11 years old.

+ Access to an on-site store and staff meals

+ Free, safe parking close to the building

*Amenities vary by location

Discounts That Make A Difference:

+ Country Manor is proud to partner with dozens of local Central MN businesses to offer our employees a Corporate Perks Program (https://www.countrymanorcampus.org/corporate-perks) with discounts on shopping and restaurants, plus savings on services like gym memberships, haircuts, and more.

+ Further your education and receive 15% off tuition through our exclusive partnership with Rasmussen University.

+ Plus, enjoy access to thousands of discounts nationwide on attractions, memberships, travel, and more through TicketsAtWork (https://www.ticketsatwork.com/tickets/).

This is a full-time daytime position, working from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm, with an occasional 8:00 am or 9:00 am start time. This position requires every other weekend + every other holiday.

Interviewing now; don't wait to apply! (Please note: our initial communication may be via email. Don't forget to check your inbox!)

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Woodcrest of Country Manor

1200 Lanigan Way SW, St. Joseph MN 56374

www.woodcrestofcountrymanor.org (http://www.woodcrestofcountrymanor.org)

www.facebook.com/countrymanorcampus (http://www.facebook.com/countrymanorcampus) (http://www.countrymanorcampus.org/)

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