Assistant Cook

salvationarmyca; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a kitchen support/food service helper to assist in meal preparation, serving, and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment in Port Alberni. The role includes inventory handling, labeling and proper storage of food, and supporting the Cook and Kitchen Manager with daily operations.

This position requires attention to safety and hygiene, capacity to work in a fast-paced setting, and willingness to assist with a variety of tasks including end-of-day cleaning and

Qualifications

• Assist in meal preparation and service, including salads and desserts per direction.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of kitchen, food prep, storage and staff areas.
• Participate in receiving, labeling, and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Assist with serving meals during service and helping with loading/unloading as required.
• Follow safety protocols and hazard communication in handling cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation and service.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen and storage areas.
• Conduct routine inventory checks and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Assist with end-of-week cleaning tasks and organization of the dry goods room.
• Record meals served for rental groups and support the Cook as needed.

Skills

Food preparation

Inventory management

Cleaning and sanitation

Serving and customer service

Safety compliance

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 translating 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.

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