Cook (Part-Time) - Keowee Square

As a Cook at Keowee Square, your primary responsibilities will include preparing and serving meals that are delicious and visually appealing. You will oversee food preparation and ensure that all safety and sanitation standards are upheld. Additionally, you’ll play a key role in promoting resident satisfaction by delivering timely and friendly service, working collaboratively with the dining team, and adhering to dietary requirements as needed.

To be a Cook at Keowee Square, candidates need to have at least a high school diploma or GED, with a preference for culinary training or apprenticeship. A minimum of one year of related experience in food preparation is required. A valid ServSafe certificate is essential, although candidates can be trained for certification while on the job. Other preferred qualifications include CPR and First-Aid certifications, as well as experience in a healthcare or hospitality setting.

The Cook position at Keowee Square is a part-time role that typically requires about 30 hours per week. One of the great benefits of this role is that it doesn’t involve late-night shifts, allowing for a better work-life balance. Flexibility in scheduling helps accommodate personal commitments while allowing you to be a valued part of our culinary team.

Yes, even as a part-time Cook at Keowee Square, you will be eligible for several attractive benefits. These include access to health care plans such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan. There are also opportunities for career advancement, making it a fantastic position for someone looking to grow in the culinary field.

At Keowee Square, we understand the importance of financial wellness for our employees. That’s why we have partnered with Tapcheck, allowing our team members, including Cooks, to access their earned wages instantly. This innovative approach puts you in control of your finances, removes the stress of waiting for payday, and supports a better work-life balance.

When discussing your culinary skills, focus on specific techniques you excel in, such as food preparation, presentation, and managing dietary needs. Highlight any experiences where you successfully catered to different dietary restrictions, as it's crucial for the role at Keowee Square.

During the interview, emphasize the importance of adhering to food safety protocols, such as proper food storage, cooking temperatures, and cleanliness. Mention your ServSafe certification if applicable and any specific practices you regularly implement to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Share specific scenarios where teamwork was essential in the kitchen, like during busy service hours or when preparing large meals. Discuss how you communicated effectively with team members and contributed to a positive and efficient environment.

Display your openness to feedback; share an instance where you received constructive criticism and how you used it to improve your culinary skills or enhance your menu items. This will show your willingness to learn and adapt.

Demonstrate your understanding of dietary requirements by explaining how you’d assess the need and collaborate with dietary staff or supervisors to ensure the resident receives appropriate meals. Highlight your commitment to resident well-being.

Use a specific example that showcases your time management and organizational skills under pressure. Explain the strategies you employed to juggle tasks efficiently while maintaining food quality and service standards.

Discuss the importance of empathy, communication, and a friendly attitude towards residents. Highlight how great service goes beyond food preparation, focusing on creating a welcoming environment that enhances residents' dining experiences.

Explain your approach to modifying recipes, such as using alternative ingredients or adjusting preparations. Share an example where you successfully adjusted a dish to meet dietary needs, showcasing your creativity and dedication to resident health.

Share your methods for staying informed about culinary trends, like reading culinary magazines, participating in workshops, or following food industry websites. Show your enthusiasm for learning and how you incorporate new ideas into your cooking.

Convey your passion for working in an assisted living environment, emphasizing your desire to positively impact residents’ lives through food. Discuss how Keowee Square’s values align with your professional goals and what excites you about joining their culinary team.