Assistant Cook

The Salvation Army in Canada; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a Kitchen Aide to support daily kitchen operations, assist with meal preparation, and help maintain a clean, safe food service area in Port Alberni. You will work under the Kitchen Manager, handling inventory and ensuring dietary requirements are respected.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma with culinary training and Food Safe certification, plus up to one year in a busy kitchen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required with one academic year of culinary education.
• Food Safe Certification is required.
• Standard First Aid + CPR & AED.
• Up to 1 year of experience in a busy kitchen/food preparation environment.
• Compliance with OH&S policies and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation and serving, including adherence to dietary requirements.
• Participate in inventory receipt and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, food supply areas, and staff areas.
• Record meals served for rental groups and assist with related documentation.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and follow hazard communication protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager.

Skills

Food safety

Cooking techniques

Dietary needs awareness

Time management

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma + culinary training (1 academic year)

Food Safe Certification

First Aid + CPR & AED

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Position Purpose summary

The position focuses on support of the kitchen operations in a dynamic food service setting. This involves assisting with meal preparation and service, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, and handling food inventory and storage. The role requires adaptability and a commitment to ensuring a smooth dining experience while adhering to dietary requirements and food safety standards.

Accountabilities

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar duties to the listed below:

Food Preparation

• Assist in meal preparation, including salads, desserts, and any additional prep work as directed by Cook and/or the Food Services Manager.
• Prepare meals adhering to specific dietary requirements and restrictions.
• Support the Cook by stepping in as necessary, ensuring consistent, quality food preparation.

Inventory Management

• Participate in the receipt and proper storage of food shipments and deliveries.
• Conduct routine inventory checks of dry goods, refrigeration, and freezer storage units.
• Assist with the organized storage of leftover food after meals, implementing correct labeling and dating procedures to maintain food safety.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Contribute to the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, food supply areas, staff kitchen, and dry goods room.
• Perform end-of-week deep cleaning tasks to uphold hygiene standards.
• Soak cooking and preparation dishes post-use for thorough cleansing.
• Store cleaned and dried pots and pans in their designated locations.

Serving & Miscellaneous Tasks

• Assist in the serving of meals to ensure a smooth dining experience.
• Help in lifting and transporting heavy food items from ovens and storage areas.
• Aid the Cook in recording meals served for rental groups for accurate record-keeping.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Food Services Manager, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in a dynamic kitchen environment.

Health & Safety

• Always maintain exceptional personal cleanliness.
• Handwashing and use of provided personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, etc.) is mandatory.
• Adhere to safe food handling procedures, including proper storage, preparation, and cooking methods to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
• Operate all kitchen equipment safely and responsibly, adhering to proper usage guidelines to prevent accidents.
• Understand and abide by hazard communication protocols, including the correct use and storage of cleaning chemicals and potential allergen identification.
• Apply proper lifting and carrying techniques for heavy items to avoid physical strain or injury.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Internal

MU leadership and staff, kitchen team

External

Clients, vendors

Managerial Responsibility

• Reports directly to: Kitchen Manager
• Direct reports: None

Financial And Materials Management

• Assist with receiving and stocking food and kitchen supply orders.
• Minor material responsibilities, e.g., proper use and safekeeping of purchased food and donations.
• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.
• Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Working Conditions

• This position requires long hours standing on hard surfaces.
• This position requires individuals to work in close proximity to others in a fast-paced and sometimes crowded environment. The work can be physically taxing and requires good mobility.
• This position requires individuals to keep hair clean, orderly and properly fixed.
• Use of various cleaning chemicals and tools (ex: broom, mop, vacuum, etc.).
• Use of kitchen tools and appliances (ex: knives, stove/oven, dishwasher, etc.)
• This position requires individuals to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Experience, AND Qualifications

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• High school diploma plus culinary education and training of one academic year
• Food Safe Certification is required.
• Standard First Aid + CPR & AED.

Experience And Knowledge

Up to 1 year of experience working in a busy kitchen/food preparation & service environment.

Skills And Capabilities

• Clearance through internal Salvation Army child & youth abuse prevention protocols.
• Proficiency in basic cooking techniques and knowledge of food preparation methods.
• Understanding of various dietary needs and restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergen-free, etc.) and ability to prepare meals accordingly.
• Knowledge and application of food safety standards and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members and interact with diverse groups of people.
• Capability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to efficiently manage time to ensure meal preparation, cleaning, and other duties are completed in a timely manner.
• Acute attention to detail is essential for food preparation, cleaning, and safety protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues that may arise during meal preparation or service.
• As the job may involve standing for long periods and lifting heavy kitchen items, good physical stamina is beneficial.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $18.25 to $22.23 with a maximum of $26.20. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.