Full Time Cook

Create Memorable Dining Experiences at The Mather

Join a multiple‑award‑winning workplace as a skilled and adaptable  Cook  in a fast‑paced, from‑scratch kitchen environment where creativity, quality, and teamwork come together. As a Cook, you'll be part of a talented culinary team preparing fresh, high-quality meals from scratch for multiple restaurants within our luxury senior living community. Working in a fast-paced kitchen, you'll have the opportunity to prepare a variety of dishes, work with changing menus, and bring creativity and care to the food you serve.

You'll be part of a team that takes pride in good food, quality preparation, and creating dining experiences residents can look forward to. If you enjoy working in a busy kitchen, take pride in your craft, and enjoy learning and developing your culinary skills, this is an opportunity to grow in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We offer competitive hourly pay, great benefits, on-the-job perks, and paid skills-training opportunities, all within a supportive, people-first workplace.

This is a full‑time, hourly position with the following schedule: Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday through Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Availability on weeknights, weekends, and holidays is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Prepares quality food at designated times according to regional campus recipes, working knowledge of both a la carte, banquet, batch cooking techniques, restaurant and rotational style menus, demonstrating kitchen sanitation practices according to HACCP procedures to ensure a fresh, quality product is served.

- Prepares standard portions and plate presentations with garnishment and monitors food temperatures to ensure food is presented in an elevated fashion.

- Regularly checks menu to ensure all food items are available and/or thawed in advance, notifying the Executive Chef of any shortages.

- Demonstrates proper use and cleaning of equipment and supplies and performs daily and weekly cleaning assignments. Helps maintain organization of coolers, freezers, storage areas, and storerooms and promptly reports equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to management.

- Minimizes waste and over production, handles leftovers according to procedures and assures that all items are labeled, dated, and properly stored.

- Follows instructions on daily production sheets and helps prepare production lists.

- Assists with receiving deliveries, puts away deliveries when necessary, and assists with the organization of dry storage, walk-ins and freezer using proper rotational practices to avoid spoilage.

- Assists Kitchen Attendant as needed / assigned with dish and ware washing, receiving, transportation of food and equipment, and cleaning duties.

- May be assigned to assist Pastry Chef with basic or fundamental tasks.

- Identifies areas for improvement, proposes possible solutions, and participates in data collection and process changes as part of the Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

- Basic knowledge and understanding of cooking techniques.

- Ability to communicate with supervisors, co-workers, residents, and guests and to follow standardized recipes.

- Able to operate kitchen equipment and tools found within the hospitality/health care industry.

- Current sanitation certification.

- Effective written communication skills, and the ability to read and interpret instructions.

- Reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance, to provide timely service to internal and external customers and to support uninterrupted business operations.

- Must be sensitive to the needs of older adults and enjoy working with a senior population.

- Ability to work productively in a team environment.

Preferred:

- Formal culinary training.

- Prior experience within a high-quality restaurant, country club, hotel, or senior living company preferred.

- Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets, recipe ingredients, adherence to heart healthy guidelines and other dietary restrictions.

- Shifts vary, flexible in scheduling is preferred.

- English Language proficiency.

The hourly base wage range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and the Team Member Appreciation Fund, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Team member Appreciation Fund is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Hourly Pay Range
$21.50 — $24 USD

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

- A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.

- A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)

- Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)

- Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

- Medical, dental, and vision plans

- Paid Parental Leave

- Adoption Assistance Reimbursement

- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education

- Extended illness benefits

- Employee wellness programs

- Short- and long-term disability insurance

- Life insurance - free to all team members

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community for those age 62 and better located in Evanston, Illinois, close to the charming downtown district and an abundance of public transportation. The Mather includes 240 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens, and more.

The Mather is located at 425 Davis Street in Evanston.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM , we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work ® , and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.