Cook
Company : Sunrise Senior Living
Location : Fairfax, VA, 22032
Job Type : Full 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
The Braddock GlenJob ID
2025-234858JOB 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
Essential 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 Fairfax, Virginia, certifications like ServSafe® Manager and a local health department food handler card are highly valued for cooks. These credentials demonstrate knowledge of food safety and compliance with local regulations, increasing job prospects in senior living communities and restaurants alike.
Fairfax experiences steady demand for cooks, particularly in healthcare and senior living sectors such as Sunrise Senior Living. Compared to more rural parts of Virginia, Fairfax offers more consistent hiring due to its population density and hospitality industry growth.
A cook must balance precise recipe execution, efficient food prep, and strict sanitation. Unlike prep cooks or dishwashers, this role requires managing cooking temperatures, dietary modifications, and timely meal service, highlighting multitasking and attention to detail.
Cooks with solid experience and leadership skills can advance toward supervisory roles like cook manager or dining services coordinator. Gaining certifications, mastering kitchen operations, and demonstrating problem-solving abilities pave the way for upward mobility.
Cooks at Sunrise Senior Living adapt to preparing meals that support residents' health needs, including dietary modifications. Maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment while collaborating with care teams adds layers of responsibility beyond typical restaurant cooking.
Sunrise Senior Living offers ongoing training, certifications like ServSafe®, and engagement programs, fostering professional development. Their culture emphasizes teamwork and resident well-being, creating a rewarding workplace for cooks who want to grow within senior care hospitality.
Cooks in Fairfax, VA typically earn between $13 to $17 per hour depending on experience and certifications. Senior living facilities like Sunrise often provide competitive pay alongside benefits such as health plans and bonuses, aligning with regional standards.
Fairfax enforces rigorous health department regulations requiring food handlers to maintain certification and adhere to strict sanitation. While similar to federal guidelines, local codes can mandate specific temperature monitoring and storage practices tailored to community health priorities.
Many believe dietary cooks only prepare bland meals, but in senior living, cooks creatively modify recipes to meet nutritional needs without sacrificing flavor. Their work demands culinary skill and understanding of health-driven meal planning, making it a specialized cooking role.
Cooking at Sunrise offers the chance to make meaningful impacts on residents’ quality of life through nutritious meals and personalized care. Unlike fast-paced restaurants, the role combines culinary skills with teamwork focused on wellness and community engagement.