Private Chef - The Concierge Memory Care Residence at Watercrest Senior Living

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionA GREAT CAREER starts with a GREAT COMPANY!Apply to join our team of servant leaders today!THE DIFFERENCE IS OUR PEOPLE. Our associates answer a calling to serve seniors and their families every day. We believe in continually investing in these servant hearts; we envision them to be our future servant-centered leaders.We’ve achieved GREAT PLACE TO WORK status EIGHT YEARS IN A ROW. CAREER DEVELOPMENT. We reward our associates’ outstanding work and assist with career development to help fulfill their dreams!Faith Driven and Mission-Centered. Our mission “To Welcome, To Care, To Serve” derives from four primary points of view (Purpose, Passion, Platform, and Potential) which inspire our associates to recognize and celebrate one another’s God-given gifts through service.Full Benefits Package & On-Demand Pay available!: This opportunity includes a full benefits package (including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with matching, tuition reimbursement, etc, as well as on-demand pay in between paychecks!PICTURE YOURSELF… Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens is looking for a Private Chef to be selected to join an exclusive team! As an luxury Private Chef you will be responsible for crafting home-like dining experiences by preparing high-quality, nutritious meals that honor individual preferences, dietary needs, and physician-ordered restrictions in our beautiful first class Concierge Memory Care Residence. This role blends culinary skill with person-centered care, ensuring meals are not only safe and well-prepared but also comforting, familiar, and engaging for adults living with dementia. The Private Chef works closely with The Concierge Memory Care team to enhance resident well-being through food, routine, and hospitality.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Culinary Preparation & Meal ServicePlan, prepare, and serve three daily meals and snacks tailored to resident preferences and dietary requirements.Create menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, cultural preferences, and dementia-friendly portioning.Ensure meals are visually appealing, flavorful, and served at the correct temperature.Prepare modified textures (mechanical soft, purée) as required by care plans.Provide table-side support and gentle encouragement to promote hydration and good nutrition.Person-Centered Dining ExperienceEngage with residents during meals to create connection and comfort.Use calm, reassuring communication appropriate for individuals living with dementia.Incorporate familiar recipes and comfort foods meaningful to residents’ histories.Support sensory engagement (aromas, plating, simple choices) to stimulate appetite.Safety, Sanitation & ComplianceFollow all food safety regulations (HACCP, ServSafe, DOH guidelines).Ensure strict compliance with dietary orders, allergies, and swallowing precautions.Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and dining environment at all times.Monitor food storage, labeling, rotation, and temperature logs.Communicate promptly about changes in appetite, weight concerns, or swallowing issues.Collaboration & CommunicationWork closely with Memory Care leadership, nursing, and care associates to coordinate meal times, special diets, and resident needs.Participate in care plan discussions as requested.Coordinate with vendors and community culinary leadership for ordering and inventory.Assist with holiday meals, special events, or themed dining experiences for the Concierge Memory Care Residence.Menu & Nutrition ManagementDevelop weekly menus and submit for approval.Incorporate physician-ordered restrictions (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, heart-healthy, etc.).Track resident preferences, dislikes, allergies, and cultural/religious dietary considerations.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Must pass skills review/ competency Strong culinary skills with an understanding of therapeutic and dementia-friendly diets.Ability to create comforting, high-quality meals in small-batch, homestyle fashion.Knowledge of safe food handling, infection control, and sanitation.Ability to work independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary staff.Strong organization, time-management, and multitasking abilities.EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:High school diploma or equivalent required.Formal culinary training or certification preferred.Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required or obtained upon hire.EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:2+ years of experience in culinary or hospitality roles, preferably in senior living, Memory Care, or healthcare.Experience preparing meals for individuals with dietary restrictions preferred.Experience working with older adults or individuals with dementia is a strong plus.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:• Able to stand or walk for most of the day. • Able to communicate clearly with residents and team members. • Able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. • Comfortable standing for long periods and working in a fast-paced kitchen. • Able to safely use kitchen equipment and perform repetitive motions.OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE / PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:Works throughout the community and may be exposed to dust, cleaning chemicals, infectious waste, odors, and disease.Follows all safety, food safety, infection control, and sanitation protocols.Uses required PPE (gloves, aprons, masks, non-slip shoes, hair net/chef’s hat, hot pads) to prevent burns, falls, and infection.Regularly encounters typical kitchen risks, including hot surfaces, steam, sharp equipment, broken glass, and slippery floors.May encounter bodily fluids when assisting residents or cleaning and must follow universal precautions.