Culinary Aide

The Culinary Aide plays an essential role in supporting the dining experience for residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. This position ensures a clean, safe, and welcoming dining and kitchen environment while assisting the culinary team in creating meals that bring comfort, connection, and joy.

At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, Living Life Together means every role contributes to a home-like atmosphere where residents feel valued and cared for. While the Culinary Aide focuses on sanitation, organization, and kitchen support, they are also part of the resident experience-through friendly interactions, attention to detail, and pride in maintaining a space where residents can gather, dine, and connect.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dining Experience & Resident Engagement:

• Greet residents in a warm, professional, and courteous manner during meal service.
• Support a positive dining atmosphere through attentiveness and hospitality.
• Assist in maintaining clean and welcoming dining areas before, during, and after meals.
• Recognize that even brief interactions contribute to making residents feel known and valued.
• Reinforce that dining is an important part of residents' daily experience and sense of home.

Kitchen Support & Food Service Assistance:

• Assist with meal service; support prep cooking tasks as needed under the direction of the culinary team.
• Assist with stocking, restocking, and organizing kitchen and dining supplies.
• Help coordinate efficient meal flow during service times.
• Assist with putting away deliveries and organizing inventory.

Cleaning & Sanitation:

• Scrape, rinse, and load dishes and utensils into dish machine properly.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean and maintain the dish machine to ensure proper operation.
• Unload and organize clean dishes and utensils in designated storage areas.
• Clean food preparation areas, equipment, and kitchen surfaces.
• Maintain cleanliness in dining areas, including wiping tables and chairs during and after meals.
• Sweep and mop floors and ensure kitchen and dish areas remain clean and hazard-free.
• Empty trash containers regularly and dispose of waste properly.

Safety, Compliance & Infection Control:

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control guidelines.
• Adhere to OSHA, CDC, and local health department regulations.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards that support resident health and well-being.
• Report safety concerns or equipment issues promptly.

Team Collaboration & Culture:

• Promote and support a positive work environment.
• Work collaboratively with cooks, culinary leadership, and other team members.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, support, and shared purpose.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident and staff information.
• Participate in training and ongoing development opportunities.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and lift at least 20 pounds.
• Must comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
• Must maintain confidentiality of resident and organizational information.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.
• Dependable with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks efficiently.
• Passion for working with seniors and contributing to a caring environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Reliability and strong work ethic.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Understanding of hospitality and service.
• Commitment to safety and sanitation standards.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

HME Care is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should call the Director of Human Resources at 1-605-736-1974 or email [email protected].

Must be able to pass background check