Certified Cook I

Verve Senior Living; Toronto; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Verve Senior Living seeks a Cook to prepare fresh meals for residents and guests with a focus on nutrition, presentation, and quality. You will operate under the Dining Services Manager, plating attractive dishes and maintaining a clean, compliant kitchen.

The role requires a strong background in large-volume cooking, a Red Seal, and valid food-handler credentials, plus effective communication in English. Join a collaborative team dedicated to care and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum grade 12 education.
• 2+ years experience in large-volume food cooking and plating.
• Graduate of a recognized college food preparation program and Red Seal certification; valid regional food handler certificate.
• Effective written and verbal English communication.
• Familiar with computerized online ordering systems.
• Strong knife and preparation skills and basic baking abilities.
• Reliable team player, capable of working independently in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Cook and prepare food for residents and guests, plating meals per menu and nutritional guidelines.
• Maintain sanitary kitchen in line with Eco-Sure and health regulations.
• Direct and train kitchen staff in food prep and service; supervise in absence of manager.
• Adhere to infection control, safety, and sanitation protocols.
• Receive, store, and inventory ingredients; forecast needs and manage leftovers responsibly.
• Assist in purchasing and cost-control per company procedures.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and document temperature checks as required.
• Prepare daily snack trays and communicate resident concerns to staff.

Education

College food preparation program

Red Seal certificate

Food handler certificate

English communication

On-line ordering systems

Knife and prep skills

Teamwork and reliability

Tools

Online ordering systems

Job description

At Verve Senior Living, we're driven by a shared commitment to creating meaningful experiences for the older adults we serve. Our teams bring passion, creativity, and heart to everything they do, and it shows in our culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. We're proud to have received Canada's Best Managed Award in 2023, 2024, and 2025, reflecting our dedication to service, leadership, and care. What truly sets us apart are the people who choose to build their careers here. Whether you're supporting our residences or contributing within our corporate community, your work plays an important role in helping seniors live longer, better and you'll be supported by a team that believes in growing together, celebrating success, and having fun along the way. If you're looking for a place where your work has real impact, and where you can thrive personally and professionally, we'd love to meet you!

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

Are you the type of person who is passionate about preparing fresh foods, innovating delicious cuisines and presenting artfully crafted meals? Our cooks play a critical role in enriching the lives of our residents through a unique and welcoming dining experience. Under the direction of the Dining Services Manager or designate, the cook is responsible for food preparation and plating of attractive and nutritious meals and snacks. Maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen in accordance with Eco-Sure and health authority regulations.

BACKGROUND/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of grade 12 education required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in with large volume food cooking, preparation, and plating techniques.
• Graduate of a recognized college food preparation program is required and Certified Red Seal certificate. Must have a valid regional food handler’s certificate.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, in the English language.
• Must be familiar with computerized on-line ordering systems.
• Strong knife and preparation skills as well as fundamental baking skills.
• Dependable, responsible and an ability to work well with others in a team environment and independently. Demonstrates a positive attitude necessary to meet the goals and standards of the residence.
• Must be capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in and adheres to continuous quality improvement standards.
• Responsible for cooking and preparing food for residents and guests and plating meals in accordance with sanitation and safety regulations, the planned menu, and methods best suited for the nutritional quality and appearance of the food. Ensures dietary restrictions are being adhered to.
• Assists with directing and training staff involved with food preparation and service. Supervises the meal preparation during the absence of the Dining Services Manager/Dining Services Supervisor.
• Complies with infection control processes and protocols as directed, e.g. outbreak management.
• Responsible for receiving and putting away orders, as well as inventory control of ingredients to ensure necessary products are available to residents.
• In the absence of the Dining Services Manager/Dining Services Supervisor, purchasing of food and supplies for the department as per established company procedures.
• Assists in forecasting food production requirements and plans for effective utilization of left-over bulk foods. Follows consistent portion control during meal service.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the food preparation area and kitchen equipment.
• Responsible for completion of food temperature checks and proper documentation as assigned.
• Prepares snack trays for daily functions.
• Keeps the Dining Service Manager informed of any staff member performance.
• Maintains effective communication, both written and verbal with co-workers, residents and guests including addressing resident concerns during dining service. Uses the appropriate lines of communication with supervisory staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Dining Services Manager or delegate.
• Complies with all corporate policies and procedures.
• Completes all required mandatory training/education.
• Complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System/Globally Harmonized System. This includes recognizing health and safety hazards, reporting incidents, fulfilling responsibilities under the applicable legislation, as well as participating in in-services and fire drills. Participates in the ongoing Fire Prevention, and Pest Control programs and any other programs as required.

All offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Background Check. We thank all those who apply; however only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Verve Senior Living is an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the residents and communities in which we live and serve. If you require accommodation for any portion of the recruitment and hiring process, please let us know.