Chef - St. Louis, MO

Located in Ellisville, Missouri, 363 Autumn View Gardens is a dedicated residential community that specializes in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its elderly residents. Situated in a welcoming neighborhood, the establishment is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive care, personalized services, and attention to individual needs and preferences. With a focus on creating a warm, homelike atmosphere, the community offers residents not only comfortable living spaces but also activities and amenities designed to foster social engagement and wellbeing. The role of the Chef at 363 Autumn View Gardens is a vital position that directly impacts the dining experience and nutritional wellness of the residents. This full-time position offers an hourly wage ranging between $17.00 and $18.00, reflecting the importance placed on finding a skilled culinary professional who can meet the unique dietary requirements of a geriatric population. As Chef, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of meal preparation, ensuring that every dish served is nutritious, appealing, and prepared with the highest standards of sanitation and quality. The Chef will cook meals according to established recipes and menus, collaborating closely with the Culinary Services Director to develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines while accommodating resident preferences and special dietary needs such as diabetic-friendly, low fat, salt free, and liquid diets. The role also involves preparing the kitchen for daily operations by setting up stations and prepping ingredients in advance, as well as assisting in the planning and cooking of special meals for events or occasions within the community. Attention to detail is paramount, as the Chef is responsible for presenting meals attractively to please both the eye and palate of the residents. This position requires maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering strictly to sanitary guidelines set forth by community policies. This includes cleaning dishes, floors, walls, and kitchen equipment regularly, as well as ensuring proper temperature control of the steam table, dishwasher, refrigerator, and freezer. The Chef must also keep storerooms, coolers, and kitchen areas orderly and safe. Furthermore, the Chef upholds a professional demeanor at all times, wearing a clean and pressed uniform and fostering a positive, nurturing atmosphere that supports the comfort and dignity of residents, families, vendors, and guests alike. Providing excellent customer service is essential, requiring honest and integrity-driven interactions in all duties. While this role does not include managerial responsibilities, the Chef plays an important supportive role during meal service times by communicating with the Culinary Services Director and dining room staff to ensure appropriate coverage and smooth operation. Tasks such as taking resident meal orders, providing drink refills, and assisting with dining room cleanliness and reset between meals are also part of the Chef’s responsibilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a servant leadership attitude, embodying compassion and genuine care for the elderly, and adhere to the community’s mission statement. The work environment is fast-paced, typical of a restaurant-style kitchen, involving exposure to heat, steam, and cold temperatures. Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting weights up to 50 pounds, and performing activities like stirring, cutting, slicing, and reaching. This position requires the Chef to be knowledgeable about food safety, including familiarity with MSDS sheets for hazardous materials, and to work independently while prioritizing tasks effectively during busy or emergency situations. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with culinary training preferred, and hold all necessary health certifications as required by local, state, and federal health departments. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, offering a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the health and happiness of elderly residents through culinary expertise and dedicated service.

• Must possess education that provides skills to read, comprehend, and follow recipes and procedures
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Culinary training preferred
• Has appropriate health certification as required by local, state and federal health departments
• Ability to work in a restaurant style kitchen with heat, steam, and cold temperatures
• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to perform physical tasks such as stirring, cutting, slicing, reaching, bending, standing for long periods, and ambulating between kitchen and dining room
• Must maintain confidentiality of residents' personal information
• Must maintain professional appearance and demeanor
• Must be able to work independently and prioritize emergencies
• Must have interpersonal skills to communicate with residents and staff