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Long Term Care Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ruthven Community Care Center

Cook

Ruthven, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Prior experience in long term care is highly preferred. Essential Functions and Responsibilities ... Prior experience working in long term care cook position (highly preferred). * High School Diploma ...

Serene Health Services

Cook Long Term Care

Catonsville, MD

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook (Full-Time & Part-Time) ROLE OVERVIEW The Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality meals ... a healthcare kitchen environment and requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 ...

ISH Dining Services

Cook Long Term Care

Cumberland, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cook We are seeking a dependable and skilled Cook to join our dietary team. This role is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining strong food safety, sanitation, and ...

NHC

Cook / Long Term Care

Franklin, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

COOK - Mix of 5am-1pm and 12pm-8pm NHC Healthcare Franklin is looking for a talented Cook to join our team! AM and PM shifts. Do you want to enjoy a comprehensive benefit package, with no late nights ...

ISH Dining Services

Cook Long Term Care

Frostburg, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Food Service REPORTS TO: Food Service Director POSITION SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for ... High school diploma or GED required; or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare food ...

ISH Dining Services

Cook Long Term Care

Frostburg, MD

$17 - $20/hr

Food Service REPORTS TO: Food Service Director POSITION SUMMARY The Cook is responsible for ... High school diploma or GED required; or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare food ...

ISH Dining Services

Cook Long Term Care

Cumberland, MD

$17 - $20/hr

Cook We are seeking a dependable and skilled Cook to join our dietary team. This role is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining strong food safety, sanitation, and ...

Colonial Health Care

Cook

Lincoln, ME · On-site

$16.10/hr

Underthe ownership of First Atlantic Healthcare, Colonial Health Care follows in FirstAtlantic's long standing reputation for excellence in Long Term Care. Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned ...

Colonial Health Care

Cook

Lincoln, ME · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Underthe ownership of First Atlantic Healthcare, Colonial Health Care follows in FirstAtlantic's long standing reputation for excellence in Long Term Care. Cook Job Summary~ Working for a Maine owned ...

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All JobsLong Term Care Cook Jobs

Long Term Care Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do long term care cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for long term care cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a long term care cook?

To thrive as a Long Term Care Cook, you need knowledge of food preparation, special dietary requirements, and safe food handling, often supported by a high school diploma and food safety certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and compliance with health regulations is essential. Strong organization, attention to detail, and effective communication with dietary staff and residents set top performers apart. These skills ensure nutritious, safe, and satisfying meals for residents while meeting regulatory standards.

What is a long term care cook?

Long Term Care Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and serve meals in facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, and rehabilitation centers. They follow specific dietary guidelines to meet the nutritional needs of residents, including those with medical conditions or food allergies. Their responsibilities also include maintaining food safety standards, managing kitchen inventory, and collaborating with dietitians to create appropriate menus. The role requires attention to detail, empathy for residents, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a long term care cook and how can they be addressed?

Long Term Care Cooks often face challenges such as managing dietary restrictions, preparing meals for large groups with varying needs, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Balancing the nutritional requirements of residents while ensuring meals are appetizing and safe is essential. Effective communication with dietitians, nursing staff, and residents helps address these challenges, as does staying organized and adaptable during busy meal periods. Collaborating with the dietary team and participating in ongoing training can also improve efficiency and ensure high-quality food service.

What is the difference between Long Term Care Cook vs Assisted Living Cook?

AspectLong Term Care CookAssisted Living Cook
CertificationsFood Handler's Permit, possibly ServSafeFood Handler's Permit, possibly ServSafe
Work EnvironmentSkilled nursing facilities, long-term care homesAssisted living communities, senior residences
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing nutritious meals for residents with health needsPreparing meals for residents with varying dietary requirements
Industry UsageHealthcare, long-term careSenior living, assisted living services

While both roles involve preparing meals for seniors, a Long Term Care Cook typically works in healthcare-focused environments like nursing homes, focusing on residents with specific health needs. An Assisted Living Cook works in senior residences, preparing meals that cater to a broader range of dietary preferences. Both require similar certifications and focus on nutrition and safety, but their work settings and resident needs differ.

What qualifications do you need to cook in a long term care home?

Long term care cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification such as ServSafe, and experience in food preparation. Knowledge of special dietary needs and the ability to follow health and safety regulations are also important for working in a care home environment.
More about Long Term Care Cook jobs
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Long Term Care Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Long Term Care Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Cook - Long Term Care setting

LionStone Care

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality meals in accordance with dietary requirements, nutritional guidelines, and menu specifications. This role plays a key part in ensuring that residents, patients, or customers enjoy nutritious and appealing meals in a healthcare, long-term care, or food service environment. The Cook works closely with the dietary team to maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety, and meal delivery schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Meal Preparation and Cooking:

    • Prepare and cook meals according to established menus and dietary guidelines, including special diets such as low-sodium, diabetic, or gluten-free.
    • Ensure that food is cooked properly and attractively presented to meet quality standards and resident preferences.
    • Follow portion control standards and ensure food is prepared in the appropriate quantities for each meal service.

  • Food Safety and Sanitation:

    • Follow food safety guidelines to ensure meals are prepared and served in a clean and sanitary environment.
    • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, including sanitizing surfaces, equipment, and utensils.
    • Store food properly and monitor inventory to ensure that items are rotated and used before expiration.
    • Adhere to all local, state, and federal food safety regulations, as well as facility policies and procedures.

  • Special Dietary Needs:

    • Accommodate special dietary needs and preferences for residents or patients, ensuring that all meals meet their medical, nutritional, or cultural requirements.
    • Work with the dietary team to prepare specialized meals for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

  • Team Collaboration:

    • Work closely with dietary aides, nutritionists, and other kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared on time and meet all dietary requirements.
    • Assist with menu planning and suggest meal ideas that align with the nutritional needs and preferences of residents or customers.
    • Communicate effectively with kitchen staff to coordinate meal service and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

  • Inventory and Supplies:

    • Monitor food supplies and ingredients to ensure adequate stock for meal preparation.
    • Assist in ordering and receiving food and kitchen supplies, checking for freshness and quality.
    • Reduce waste by using ingredients efficiently and following portion control guidelines.
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Culinary training or certification is preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in cooking, preferably in a healthcare, long-term care, or restaurant setting.
  • Skills:
    • Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and portion control.
    • Ability to follow recipes and meal plans, adjusting as necessary for dietary needs.
    • Knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation procedures.
    • Excellent time-management skills with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
    • Good communication and teamwork skills.
People-Centered Rewards:
  • Health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401k with company match
  • Early Pay via Tapcheck!
  • Employee Perks & Discount program
  • PTO + Company Holidays + Floating Holidays
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Mentorship Programs
  • Internal/Upskilling Growth Opportunities
  • Continued Education Loan Repayment Program powered by Clasp

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