Culinary Care Champion – Full‑Time Cook & Menu Innovator for Long‑Term Care Residential Dining Services in Ferdinand, IN

About Trilogy – A Legacy of Care and Culinary Excellence

Trilogy has been setting the gold standard in long‑term care since its founding in 1997. With a steadfast commitment to enriching the lives of residents, our organization blends compassionate healthcare with unforgettable dining experiences. Recognized nationally as a Fortune Best Place to Work in Aging Services, a certified Great Place to Work, and one of Glassdoor’s Top 100 Best Companies to Work For, Trilogy is more than an employer – it’s a community where every team member’s talent is celebrated and every day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer for Your Culinary Career

Our kitchens are not just food‑production areas; they are creative studios where culinary artistry meets nutritional science. As a Cook at Trilogy, you will join a close‑knit team that prioritizes stability, growth, and a genuine love for food. You’ll enjoy:

• Stable, predictable shifts that respect your work‑life balance – no grueling night‑to‑night rotations.
• Competitive wages accompanied by weekly pay to keep your finances healthy.
• Robust benefits including health, vision, dental, and life insurance that activate on your first day of the month.
• Professional development through a partnership with Rouxbe Online Culinary School, tuition reimbursement, and scholarships.
• Student loan repayment assistance to help you achieve financial freedom faster.
• Creative freedom to re‑imagine menus, experiment with seasonal ingredients, and keep the dining experience fresh and exciting for residents.

Key Responsibilities – What Your Day Will Look Like

In this hands‑on, full‑time position you will be the culinary engine that powers daily nutrition for our residents. Your core duties include:

• Recipe Execution: Prepare and cook a wide variety of dishes—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and specialty meals—following established recipes and nutritional guidelines.
• Menu Adaptation: Adjust recipes to meet specific dietary requirements, age‑related nutritional needs, and individual resident preferences while maintaining flavor integrity.
• Kitchen Preparation: Organize workstations, inventory supplies, and ensure all equipment is in proper working order before each service period.
• Sanitation & Safety: Rigorously adhere to food safety regulations, HACCP standards, and sanitation protocols to prevent contamination and foodborne illness.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with fellow cooks, dietitians, nursing staff, and housekeeping to coordinate service times and address special requests.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular taste tests and visual inspections to guarantee each dish meets Trilogy’s high standards for flavor, presentation, and nutritional value.
• Inventory Management: Assist with receiving deliveries, rotating stock, and reporting shortages or waste to maintain cost‑effective operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas for menu enhancements, cost‑saving measures, and workflow efficiencies during team meetings.

Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one year of hands‑on experience in a foodservice environment, preferably in a residential, healthcare, or hospitality setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic cooking techniques, food safety, and dietary accommodations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine, servant‑hearted attitude toward residents, teammates, and leadership.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and move safely in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and consistency.

Preferred Qualifications – What Will Set You Apart

• Certification such as ServSafe Food Handler, Certified Culinary Professional (CCP), or equivalent.
• Experience in senior living or long‑term care facilities, understanding the unique nutritional needs of older adults.
• Formal culinary education (Culinary Arts Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree).
• Familiarity with dietary software or electronic health record (EHR) systems used to track resident meals.
• Multilingual abilities, especially Spanish, to better serve a diverse resident community.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, such as mentoring junior staff or leading kitchen projects.

Core Skills & Competencies – The Heart of Success

• Technical Cooking Skills: Proficiency with grilling, sautéing, baking, steaming, and plating techniques.
• Nutrition Awareness: Ability to interpret dietary restrictions (low‑sodium, diabetic, pureed, texture‑modified, etc.) and adjust recipes accordingly.
• Time Management: Efficiently prioritize tasks to meet strict service timelines without compromising quality.
• Problem‑Solving: Quickly address unexpected challenges such as equipment failure or supply shortages.
• Teamwork & Communication: Open, respectful dialogue with interdisciplinary staff to ensure seamless resident care.
• Adaptability: Comfort with evolving menus, seasonal ingredient changes, and emerging culinary trends.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous record‑keeping of food logs, temperature checks, and sanitation reports.
• Customer Service Mindset: Treat every resident as a valued guest, delivering meals that nourish both body and spirit.

Growth Path & Professional Development – Your Future at Trilogy

Trilogy invests heavily in the long‑term success of its team members. As you grow in your role, you’ll have access to:

• Career Ladder: Clear pathways from Cook to Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, and ultimately to Food Service Manager.
• Continuing Education: Free enrollment in the Rouxbe Online Culinary School, plus on‑site workshops covering advanced plating, menu engineering, and dietary therapy.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with seasoned culinary leaders who will guide you in mastering new techniques and navigating career milestones.
• Cross‑Training Opportunities: Experience in related departments such as dietary analysis, procurement, and resident wellness programming.
• Recognition & Awards: Quarterly “Culinary Excellence” awards, employee of the month, and celebration events highlighting your contributions.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks – More Than Just a Salary

Trilogy believes that a satisfied team fuels exceptional resident experiences. We offer a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial stability, and personal growth:

• Competitive Salary: Market‑aligned base pay with weekly direct deposit.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance covered at 80% for employees, 70% for dependents.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4% of your salary.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to recharge.
• Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per year, scholarships, and student loan repayment programs.
culinary-focused Professional Development Stipends for conferences, certifications, or culinary equipment.
• Employee Wellness Programs: On‑site fitness classes, mental‑health resources, and nutrition counseling.
• Team Perks: Monthly celebrations, holiday gatherings, and a fully stocked staff pantry.
• Safe, Inclusive Workplace: Fully vaccinated teams with accommodations for religious or medical exemptions, and a zero‑tolerance policy toward discrimination or harassment.

Our Culture, Values, and Work Environment – A Place You’ll Love to Call Home

At Trilogy, culture is built on five core pillars that guide everything we do:

• Compassion: We treat every resident and colleague with empathy, respect, and dignity.
• Integrity: Honesty and transparency shape our interactions and decision‑making.
• Collaboration: Cross‑functional teamwork drives superior outcomes for residents.
• Innovation: We continuously explore new culinary ideas, technology, and best practices.
• Excellence: A relentless pursuit of quality in food, service, and care.

Our kitchens feature modern equipment, ergonomically designed workstations, and a supportive leadership team that values your input. You’ll be part of a community where laughter, shared meals, and mutual respect create a warm, family‑like atmosphere.

How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward a Fulfilling Career

If you are ready to bring your culinary passion to a place where every plate matters, we encourage you to apply today. Submit your résumé, a brief cover letter highlighting your experience, and any relevant certifications through the link below. Our hiring team reviews applications on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted promptly for an interview.

Apply Now: Click Here to Submit Your Application

Are You the One We're Looking For?

With a servant’s heart, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to enrich the lives of others through food, you’ll thrive at Trilogy. Join us, and become part of the best place you’ve ever belonged.

Trilogy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.