Cook
Company : Sunrise Senior Living
Location : McLean, VA, 22102
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together.
Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 8th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of.
COMMUNITY NAME
Sunrise of McLeanJob ID
2025-233062JOB OVERVIEW
The Cook uses their knowledge and experience in food production to ensure the proper, timely, and safe preparation and service of food according to established recipes, while adhering to all food safety and sanitation requirements and maintaining a safe and orderly kitchen. Responsible to effectively manage all food production in the absence of the Dining Services Coordinator.RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Job DescriptionEssential Duties
As a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:
- Ensure high standards for food taste and quality are upheld at all times.
- Prepare and serve meals in a timely manner and in accordance with established standardized recipes and menus.
- Utilize production sheets to accurately record food production quantities and cooking, holding, and cooling temperatures.
- Prepare required dietary modifications as ordered.
- Use Sunrise systems per guidelines for order taking and meal delivery to ensure accuracy.
- Stock, rotate, date, and store product according to food safety standards and regulations.
- Maintain clean and organized kitchen, storage, and work areas.
- Complete assigned cleaning duties and ensures accuracy of daily and weekly cleaning logs.
- Maintain accurate equipment logs and report any issues promptly.
- Maintain all cooking equipment in a safe and working order and report any issues promptly.
- Comply with national/provincial regulations pertaining to occupational health and safety requirements and Risk Management programs and policies, adhere to safety rules and regulations, and practices safety procedures at all times including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire extinguishers, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and Lockout Tagout procedures.
- Responsible for performing other Dining Services duties when assigned by community leadership in the following areas, but not limited to:
- Perform dishwashing tasks to properly wash and sanitize all dishes and china, silverware, glassware, utensils, and cookware.
- Operate dish machine(s) according to manufacturer instructions.
- Perform light janitorial duties, including but not limited to sweeping work areas, sanitizing production areas, and emptying trash.
- Clean assigned kitchen equipment, including but not limited to stoves, ovens, fryers, microwaves, mixers, slicers, refrigerators, freezers, worktables, prep sinks, ice makers, coffee machines, hoods, and ventilation screens.
- Assist with service in the dining areas as needed.
Collaboration, Engagement, and Team Success
- Participate and commit to working toward team goals.
- Demonstrate our Team Member Credo in daily interactions.
- Commit to serving our residents and guests through our Principles of Service,
- Contribute to the overall engagement programs for both residents and team members.
- Attend regular meetings; Town Hall, Department Team, Cross Over, and others as directed by the Dining Services Coordinator (DSC).
- Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
- Written and verbal skills for effective communication
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrate good judgment, problem solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to handle multiple priorities
Experience and Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
- One (1) year job related experience including food preparation in a restaurant, hotel, or other similar environment
- High School Diploma/GED
- Maintain the following certifications and ongoing training and re-education as required by Sunrise and regulations and laws as applicable:
- CPR Certificate and First Aid Certificate
- ServSafe® Manager Certificate
- Local Health Department Food Handler Card
- Prior culinary apprenticeship or training a plus
ABOUT SUNRISE
Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals – at work and in your life.
We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
- Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
- myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
- Tuition Reimbursement
- In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
- Some benefits have eligibility requirements
Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Sunrise considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members to be one of its highest priorities. Employment with Sunrise is conditioned on completing and passing a drug test (which does not include marijuana), participating in testing requirements (e.g. Tuberculosis Test, Physical Evaluation). Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination is only required to the extent mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and authorities.
COMPENSATION DISCLAIMER
Selected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).
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Frequently asked questions
In McLean, VA, possessing a ServSafe® manager certificate and a local health department food handler card significantly enhances employability for cooks. Additionally, CPR and first aid certifications are highly valued, reflecting the region's strong emphasis on food safety and resident care in senior living communities.
McLean, VA has a moderately competitive cooking job market, especially in specialized sectors like senior living. Employers seek cooks with experience in dietary modifications and food safety, so candidates with these niche skills often stand out and secure positions faster in this area.
Mastering the preparation of dietary-specific meals and adhering strictly to food safety protocols are crucial in McLean’s senior living kitchens. Skills in managing food temperatures, sanitation standards, and menu accuracy will differentiate cooks in this community-focused environment.
Cooks at Sunrise Senior Living in McLean can advance by gaining leadership roles such as dining services coordinator or kitchen manager. The company fosters growth through ongoing training, certifications, and internal promotion opportunities, especially for those demonstrating strong organizational and culinary skills.
Cooks at Sunrise Senior Living may face challenges like managing timely meal prep for residents with diverse dietary needs, maintaining strict sanitation, and juggling multiple kitchen tasks. Effective communication and adaptability are essential to meet the dynamic demands within this senior care environment.
Sunrise Senior Living emphasizes dignity and respect for residents, so cooks play a vital role by preparing nourishing meals that support longer, healthier lives. This mission-driven approach encourages cooks to build meaningful relationships and contribute to a positive dining experience.
Cooks in McLean, VA, particularly within senior living, typically earn between $14 and $18 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Sunrise Senior Living offers competitive pay aligned with local standards, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.
Yes, cooks at Sunrise in McLean must complete ServSafe® manager certification and hold a current food handler card from the local health department. This ensures compliance with food safety regulations tailored to the needs of senior residents.
Unlike typical restaurant cooks, Sunrise cooks focus heavily on dietary modifications and nutritional care tailored to seniors. They also engage in maintaining sanitary environments and managing food safety logs, reflecting a healthcare-oriented culinary setting rather than just food preparation.
Job seekers targeting catering or dietary cook roles near McLean should explore listings on specialized senior care job boards, local healthcare networks, and Sunrise Senior Living's careers page. These platforms often highlight openings requiring cooking skills aligned with nutrition and safety standards.