Dietary Cook

Thrive Rehabilitation of Pearland · Pearland, TX Full Time
$29799 – $29799 / year
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Job Description

Thrive Rehabilitation of Pearland - Thrive Rehab of Pearland redefines transitional care as the first facility of it’s kind. We combine a progressive model of healthcare with an atmosphere of hospitality and the amenities of a fine luxury resort, designed for guests who require short-term medical therapy or treatment after a hospital stay. As a company local to Houston, we are seeking a candidate will a helpful attitude and friendly demeanor. We are currently looking for Dietary Cook with excellent customer service - energetic, friendly and caring - to provide our guests with personal fine dining. SUMMARY: The Cook is responsible for assisting in preparing, and cooking daily meals for dementia residents within assisted living community, while meeting federal and state health department standards by performing the following duties. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. High School Diploma or equivalent and 0 to six months related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Available to work weekend coverage and available on-call as needed. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in the preparation of basic food items. Stock, distribute and store supplies; wash and clean pots, dishes and utensils by hand or using dish washing equipment. Empty trash containers as required. Engages residents in meaningful conversation and activities related to their individual interests. Confers with residents’ medical team, dietary card, and nursing staff to ensure that meals conform to residents’ diet restrictions and nutritional requirements as prescribed by physician. Adheres to all food sanitation and infection control procedures of proper food storage, handling, preparation, and service; equipment and department sanitation; and dietary regulatory guidelines for Alzheimer’s assisted living communities, as required by federal and state health department standards and codes. Serves as backup, performing Cook duties and responsibilities in absence of the Lead Cook. Perform other duties as assigned. COMPETENCIES: Ethics – Works with integrity; Upholds organizational values. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; results oriented and committed to achieving objectives and tasks as required. Teamwork and Collaboration – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Communicates effectively. Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Works well in group problem solving situations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required to stand and walk regularly; occasionally sit; lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. , QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. High School Diploma or equivalent and 0 to six months related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Available to work weekend coverage and available on-call as needed.

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What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Dietary roles in senior living go well beyond standard food service. You will prepare meals that accommodate medical diets — diabetic, renal, low-sodium, pureed, and thickened liquids are common daily requirements. Texas Health and Human Services conducts regular kitchen inspections, and dietary staff play a direct role in survey outcomes. A food handler's permit is required in Harris County, and ServSafe certification is preferred by most facilities.

What many applicants do not realize is how personal the work becomes. Residents eat three meals a day in the same community — food quality and variety directly impact their quality of life and satisfaction scores. Dietary managers in particular straddle clinical nutrition requirements and the operational realities of tight food budgets and staffing. Shift times typically start early — breakfast prep often begins at 5:00 or 5:30 AM — and weekend coverage is standard for the team.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.

The day starts early with breakfast preparation and tray setup. Each meal requires checking the diet card system to ensure every resident receives the correct modified diet — a diabetic resident getting a regular dessert is a compliance issue, not just a mistake. Between meals, the kitchen team preps for the next service, manages inventory and deliveries, and maintains sanitation standards for state inspection readiness.

You will work closely with nursing staff when residents have appetite changes or swallowing difficulties, and with the activities department for special event meals and holiday celebrations. The dietary department typically operates with a small team — cooks, aides, and a dietary manager — so everyone handles multiple tasks from cooking to serving to cleanup. Many dietary professionals in senior living appreciate the consistent schedule compared to restaurant work, along with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans that food service rarely offers.

About This Employer

Thrive Rehabilitation of Pearland is a Nursing — SNF/NF located in Pearland, TX at 3406 Business Center Drive. This facility holds a 4.1-star Google rating based on 100 reviews. It has earned a 1 out of 5 CMS quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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Employer profile provided by Houston Senior Living Guide

Houston Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Recreation Worker positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of $14.72/hr ($30,618/yr). The typical range is $11.64 – $17.23/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Entry Level (10th) $21,923/yr
Houston Median $30,618/yr
Experienced (90th) $48,006/yr
vs. National Median -13.5%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.

Facility Snapshot

Google Rating ★ 4.1 (100 reviews)
CMS Quality Rating ★ (1/5)
Flood Zone X
Facility Type Nursing — SNF/NF

3406 Business Center Drive, Pearland, TX 77584

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