Cook – Full Time

Cook - Dining Services
The Briarwood Community — Worcester, MA

About The Briarwood Community

The Briarwood Community offers a supportive, mission-driven environment where employees are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Join a collaborative Dining Services team where your work directly contributes to exceptional resident service and high-quality dining experiences.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly pay: $20.00–$22.00
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Meal discounts and Employee Assistance Program
• Free access to indoor lap pool, fitness center, and sauna
• Supportive, collaborative dining and leadership teams in a beautiful, well-maintained community

Position Summary

We’re seeking a skilled and dependable Cook to join our Dining Services team at Elms Assisted Living in The Briarwood Community in Worcester, MA. In this role, you’ll prepare and portion high-quality meals while following established menus, recipes, production procedures, and food safety standards. You’ll work alongside a collaborative dining services team in a supportive environment focused on providing nutritious, well-prepared meals and exceptional service to our residents.

Position Type: Full Time

Shift Type: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11 am–7 pm and Sunday 10 am–6:30 pm, with flexibility based on operational needs

Hourly Pay: $20.00–$22.00

Your Role

Under the direction of the Director of Dining Services and in collaboration with the Dining Services team, you will:

Prepare and portion food in accordance with planned menus, established production procedures, and dining services standards

Ensure food and supplies are available in adequate time for meal preparation and service

Follow heart-healthy and cycle menu recipes while maintaining consistency and quality

Complete food temperature checks prior to service and document as required

Comply with all sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards while observing proper food handling techniques

Maintain a clean, organized work area and clean and maintain kitchen equipment and workstations

Supervise dishwashers and oversee waitstaff while they are in the kitchen

Properly store and label food in accordance with food safety standards

Prepare ingredients and menu items for the following day as needed

Ensure dish machines are thoroughly cleaned and free of debris

Dispose of garbage properly and complete end-of-shift kitchen cleaning duties, including equipment, prep areas, sinks, and floors

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Dining Services

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age

High School Diploma or GED required

Restaurant or food service experience preferred

ServSafe certification required

Excellent cooking skills with attention to detail and food presentation

Ability to multitask, work efficiently under pressure, and manage multiple kitchen stations

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation standards; familiarity with best practices in senior living preferred

Comprehensive Benefits

Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and paid holidays

Meal discounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Free use of our indoor lap pool, fitness center, and sauna

Supportive, collaborative dining and leadership teams

Beautiful, well-maintained community campus

About Our Community

The Briarwood Community is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) serving older adults throughout the Greater Worcester area.

Our campus includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services — all designed to support residents through every stage of retirement living.

At Briarwood, our employees are part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the health, satisfaction, and quality of life of every resident we serve. As a Cook, you play an important role in delivering nutritious, well-prepared meals while supporting a safe, welcoming dining environment that reflects our commitment to excellence and care.