Sous Chef - The Concierge Memory Care Residence

 A 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 luxury Sous Chef to be selected to join an exclusive team! As the Sous Chef, you support the Private Chef in preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for Memory Care residents in our beautiful boutique first class Concierge Memory Care Residence.  As a Sous Chef, responsibilities include meal preparation and service, maintaining sanitation in all food-service areas, accurate record keeping, receiving and rotating inventory, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Sous Chef contributes to a quality dining experience by presenting meals in an attractive, gracious, and timely manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Culinary Preparation & Production

• Assist the Private Chef in preparing daily meals and snacks according to the menus.
• Prepare ingredients, cook small-batch recipes, and plate meals with attention to texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
• Follow modified texture guidelines (mechanical soft, puréed) based on resident dietary needs.
• Assist with preparing culturally meaningful, familiar, and comfort-based recipes.
• Support special meals, events, and holiday dining experiences for the Memory Care neighborhood.

2. Dementia-Informed Dining Support

• Create a calm, welcoming dining atmosphere that encourages appetite and social engagement.
• Utilize dementia-friendly communication and encourage resident choice during mealtimes.
• Support sensory engagement through aromas, plating, simple choices, and familiar foods.

3. Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and dining area at all times.
• Follow all food safety, HACCP, and sanitation requirements.
• Perform daily temperature logs, labeling, dating, and food rotation procedures.
• Adhere strictly to dietary orders, allergy requirements, and consistency modifications.
• Report safety concerns and equipment issues promptly.

4. Collaboration & Communication

• Work under the direction of the Private Chef, supporting all culinary operations.
• Communicate with Memory Care associates regarding mealtime readiness, resident preferences, and dietary concerns.
• Coordinate with the Private Chef for supply ordering, inventory management, and menu planning.

5. Resident-Centered Hospitality

• Engage warmly with residents during mealtimes to enhance comfort and familiarity.
• Support the Private Chef in delivering personalized dining experiences.
• Maintain a professional, friendly demeanor when interacting with residents, families, and associates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong culinary skills and understanding of nutrition, small-batch cooking, special diets.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and safe kitchen practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and patience in a Memory Care setting.
• Familiarity with dementia-specific dining approaches preferred.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary training or certification preferred.
• ServSafe or food handler certification required (or obtained upon hire).

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 1 year of culinary experience in a kitchen environment.
• Experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or Memory Care dining is highly preferred.

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 75% of the day
• Able to concentrate with frequent interruptions
• Able to work under stress and in emergency situations
• Able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing, and grasping
• Able to talk and hear effectively in order to convey instructions and information to residents and team members
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 pounds

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE / PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

• May be exposed to dust, cleaning chemicals, infectious waste, and odors.
• Uses required PPE (gloves, apron, non-slip shoes, hair net/chef’s hat, hot pads) to prevent burns, falls, and infection.
• Regularly encounters kitchen hazards, including hot water, ovens, steam, sharp utensils, broken glass, and slippery floors.
• Follows all safety policies and procedures.