Risevoic
Short Order Cook
Company : Sunrise Senior Living
Location : Bel Air, MD, 21014
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 22 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 at Bay VillageJob ID
2025-235749JOB 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).
Chevy Chase, MD
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Short Order Cook
Frequently asked questions
Bel Air's food service sector shows steady demand for short order cooks, especially in senior living communities like Sunrise. Candidates with certifications such as ServSafe® and CPR tend to stand out, as local employers prioritize food safety and resident care. Competition can vary seasonally, with peak hiring in hospitality-driven months.
Employers in Bel Air, particularly in senior care settings, highly value certifications like the ServSafe® Manager certificate and local food handler cards. These credentials demonstrate compliance with Maryland's health regulations, ensuring cooks manage dietary needs safely and uphold hygiene standards critical in healthcare-adjacent kitchens.
Mastering quick, accurate meal assembly while maintaining food quality is key for short order cooks. Skills such as multitasking, understanding standardized recipes, and efficient kitchen organization help meet timely service demands. Familiarity with dietary modifications and food safety protocols also boosts effectiveness in diverse foodservice environments.
Progression might involve becoming a dining services coordinator or specializing in dietary cooking within healthcare settings. Additional culinary training or certifications, like a culinary apprenticeship or advanced food safety courses, can open doors to supervisory roles or specialized catering opportunities, particularly in senior living communities.
Sunrise Senior Living emphasizes a supportive culture with benefits like tuition reimbursement, flexible PTO, and a MyFlexPay system enabling quicker access to earned wages. Their commitment to employee well-being and growth distinguishes this environment from standard restaurant kitchens, fostering long-term career satisfaction.
At Sunrise, cooks engage not only in food prep but also contribute to resident well-being by adhering to precise dietary requirements and safety standards. The role integrates teamwork, ongoing training, and a focus on meaningful service, contrasting with purely transactional cooking jobs focused solely on meal output.
Short order cooks in Bel Air generally earn between $12 and $16 per hour, reflecting local cost of living and demand. This aligns closely with national averages for similar roles, although senior living facilities like Sunrise may offer additional benefits, enhancing overall compensation packages beyond base wages.
Handling meal prep autonomously requires vigilance in timing, portion control, and food safety compliance. A cook must juggle production schedules, equipment maintenance, and cleanliness standards while adapting to last-minute dietary requests, all to ensure seamless service in a dynamic kitchen environment.
Yes, candidates should maintain a CPR certificate, first aid training, ServSafe® Manager certification, and a local health department food handler card. These credentials ensure compliance with state regulations and Sunrise’s high standards for resident safety and food quality.
Expect to handle commercial-grade stoves, ovens, fryers, mixers, slicers, and dish machines. Regular cleaning and equipment log maintenance are essential to keep everything functional and safe, supporting smooth kitchen operations that meet both health codes and resident expectations.