Assistant Cook

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

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is seeking a Kitchen Support role to assist with meal preparation, cleaning, and inventory in a dynamic food service environment. You will work under the Kitchen Manager to ensure meals meet dietary requirements and safety standards.

The position emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to food safety guidelines, with opportunities to contribute to a mission-driven organization and support services for the community.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation, including salads and desserts, and support the Cook and Food Services Manager.
• Participate in inventory checks and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and related areas; assist with end-of-week deep cleaning.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Culinary education (1 year)

Food Safe Certification

Standard 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.

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

• 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.
• Internal Relationship Management: MU leadership and staff, kitchen team.
• External Relationship Management: Clients, vendors.

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

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.

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.

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.

Company Culture

Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front-lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose-driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service. We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth. If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team. There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.