The Cook is responsible for all aspects of food production for the Community and in accordance with infection control, quality management, legislative requirements and the organization’s standards. As a valued member of the team, the Cook demonstrates a commitment to resident safety by providing quality care in accordance with the organization’s vision and mission.
Job Duties
- Preparing food in accordance with the regular and therapeutic menu.
- Preparing meals and snacks according to production sheets, recipes and other menu documents as provided.
- Assisting with meal service following the appropriate dietary reference tools.
- Performing dining room rounds at mealtimes to ensure resident meal satisfaction.
- Converting recipes to different quantities as required.
- Cleaning and operating all kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Communicating and reporting any concerns regarding operation and malfunction of equipment to immediate supervisor.
- Receiving food and supply orders. Monitoring quality of food and supplies received and advising Director of Dietary Services of problems.
- Reporting food, supply, and equipment needs to the Director of Dietary Services.
- Counting physical food inventory at month end.
- Maintaining work areas(s) in a secure, clean and sanitary state.
- Working in accordance with safe food handling practices and HACCP protocols.
- Managing mealtime activities in the absence of the Dietary Aide.
- Supporting and participating in quality initiatives by providing input and suggestions for improvement, reporting feedback to immediate supervisor.
- Maintaining quality control of menu products.
- Collecting food samples.
- Assisting in catering to special functions.
- Labelling and dating all food items, monitoring and discarding as per policy.
- Completing all necessary documentation as assigned (food, fridge, freezer, dish machine, holding cabinet temperatures, equipment start-up checklists, etc.) and initiating corrective action as required.
Required Skills
- At least 1 years’ experience as a cook in the Food Service Industry.
- Experience in large quantity food preparation and cooking in health or long-term care is preferred.
- Must maintain up to date certification in the Food Safety Awareness Program offered by Public Health.
- Red Seal Designation is preferred.
- Must be knowledgeable with respect to the nutritional and other appropriate needs of geriatric residents.
- Must have working knowledge of special and therapeutic diets.
- Able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities and plan work.
- Must demonstrate a creative flair for menu planning, food preparation and presentation.
- Able to operate industrial kitchen equipment.
- Must have leadership ability and be able to direct the dietary department in the absence of the Director of Dietary Services.
- Must be knowledgeable of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation, Food Safety Code of Practice and Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
- Effective verbal and written English communication skills required.
All applicants must be entitled to work in Canada on a permanent basis.