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Nursing Home Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

RESIDENTIAL AIDES

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Our skilled nursing facilities are more than a nursing home, we are HOME! We like to have fun and ... Performs housekeeping duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and running ...

Companion Caregiver

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... companions, home health aides and nursing aides who voted where they want to work. At Visiting ... Knowledge of housekeeping activities and cooking with attention to dietary constraints

Nursing Home Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do nursing home cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for nursing home cook in Springfield, IL is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nursing home cook do?

A nursing home cook works in the kitchen and dining room of a long-term care facility. As a nursing home cook, you prepare meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your responsibilities may also include cooking a meal to a bed-bound patient or one that follows specific dietary guidelines. You work with health care staff to ensure appropriate nutrition for each resident. Other duties include practicing safe food handling, keeping a clean kitchen and dining room, and working with the head chef to plan meals. You also assist with purchasing food, recommending proper quantities and items based on resident demand and dietary needs.

What are the main responsibilities of a nursing home cook?

A nursing home cook is responsible for preparing nutritious and appetizing meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of elderly residents. They must follow specific menus and recipes, often accommodating special diets such as low-sodium, diabetic, or pureed foods. In addition to cooking, they ensure food safety standards are maintained, supervise kitchen staff, and keep the kitchen clean and organized. Their role is essential in promoting the health and well-being of residents while providing enjoyable dining experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nursing home cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nursing Home Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of nutrition for special diets, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with food safety certification preferred. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and dietary management systems is often required. Attention to detail, organization, and compassion are vital soft skills for meeting residents' needs and working collaboratively with care staff. These skills ensure safe, nutritious, and appealing meals are consistently provided to residents, supporting their health and well-being.

What are some common challenges nursing home cooks face, and how can they manage them effectively?

Nursing Home Cooks often need to balance preparing large quantities of food while accommodating special dietary needs, such as low-sodium, pureed, or allergen-free meals. Time management and organization are key, as meals must be served promptly and safely. Collaborating closely with dietitians, nursing staff, and kitchen aides helps ensure residents receive nutritious meals tailored to their health requirements. Cooks can overcome challenges by staying updated on food safety practices, communicating clearly with team members, and being adaptable to changes in menu or resident needs.

What is the difference between Nursing Home Cook vs Dietary Aide?

AspectNursing Home CookDietary Aide
CertificationsFood Handler's Permit, possibly ServSafeFood Handler's Permit often required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchen in nursing facilitiesAssists in food service, often in dining areas
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, menu planning, cookingAssisting with meal service, cleaning, basic food prep

The Nursing Home Cook focuses on preparing and cooking meals for residents, requiring culinary skills and certifications. The Dietary Aide supports meal service and assists in food prep, often with less culinary responsibility. Both roles are essential in nursing home food services but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Home Cook jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Nursing Home Cook jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Nursing Home Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Nursing Home Cook job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,043 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description

Our facility is looking for caring and compassionate Residential Aide who is inspired to treat our residents like family. Our skilled nursing facilities are more than a nursing home, we are HOME! We like to have fun and create a rewarding atmosphere, filled with energetic and positive staff. We will make you feel appreciated and enjoy watching you pass that appreciation on to our residents.  

The Patient Care Aide will assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities in a care facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. The Patient Care Aide may provide assistance at nonresidential care facilities and may advise families, the elderly, convalescents, and persons with disabilities on nutrition, cleanliness, facility activities.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Administers bedside and personal care such as ambulation and personal hygiene assistance. Prepares and maintains records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
  • Performs housekeeping duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and running errands. Cares for individuals and families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, and convalescence; providing companionship, personal care, and help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
  • Performs health care-related tasks such as monitoring vital signs and medication under the direction of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
  • Prepares nutritious meals, and assists residents with eating, when necessary. 
  • Ensures residents are appropriately dressed and prepared to be transported to locations outside the facility such as to physicians' offices or on outings. 
  • Trains to provide bedside care.
  • Assists residents on issues such as cleanliness, hygiene, and nutrition.
  • Participates in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • More than two years or experience preferred.

Oakdale Care Center is looking for energetic, caring, dependable individuals to join our team. As an Oakdale associate, your high standards are the crux of our guests' and residents' positive, successful experiences. We strive to ensure you are treated with respect and fairness. We promote a positive team environment based on problem solving rather than finger-pointing. We invest heavily in continuing education and training to keep you at the top of your profession. Our goal is to provide you with opportunities to advance your career with us. Helia communities strive to be the premier local employer by hiring those who share our vision and then treating them right. Many of our current managers started out with us in hourly roles.

We will work hard to accommodate your desired work schedule. We provide competitive wages and medical/dental/vision benefits, along with an attractive array of 401k and other benefits.

Let's talk about growing your career with us!

The Fine Print (Still Important!):

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen. We want to keep our residents safe, happy, and in good hands-you're part of that promise.

Helia Healthcare, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We're committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we can serve our community.