COOK

Southbridge Care Homes; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 34,440 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

Southbridge Care Homes in Kitchener, Ontario, is seeking a Cook for a casual vacancy. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving meals for residents, monitoring food quality and kitchen operations, and supervising Dietary Aides. A culinary management certificate is required, along with proven experience in institutional or large-quantity cooking. This position offers an hourly wage of $25.35 and may require a negative vulnerable sector check.

Qualifications

• Chef training or culinary management certificate required.
• Certificate of qualification as a Cook preferred.
• Experience in institutional or large-quantity cooking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food for residents, including complex meal preparations.
• Monitor quality and quantity of food supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Direct Dietary Aides during food preparation and serving activities.

Skills

Culinary management

Food safety

Team leadership

Menu planning

Education

Chef training or culinary management certificate

Certificate of qualification as a Cook

Post-secondary diploma in food and nutrition management

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Cook (Casual Vacancy)

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Hourly Wage: $25.35

Reports to: Food Service Manager

The Cook follows established policies, procedures and standards, prepares and serves food for residents, including more complex meal preparations for the facility (dinner, sauces, desserts etc.).

Key Responsibilities

• Review regular and therapeutic menus and set up equipment and supplies for food preparation. Prepare food and nourishments including evening meal following standardized recipes and production sheets. Provide for prescribed diets, including variations in texture. Ensure meals are served on time, at appropriate temperatures and in portion‑controlled quantities.
• In the absence of the Dietary Manager, decide on menu changes as necessary and ensure that changes are recorded following department procedures.
• Monitor quality and quantity of food supplies ordered, proper operation of kitchen equipment and alert manager of problems. Recommend corrective action.
• Direct Dietary Aides in basic food preparation procedures and in serving activities at mealtimes; assume responsibility for routine departmental operations in the absence of the Dietary Manager, including staff replacements and service calls for malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain all required records such as menu changes, delivery receipts, temperature checks; cooperate with other departments to meet resident needs.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Chef training or culinary management certificate or diploma from a program that meets the requirements of the OLTCH Act, or
• Certificate of qualification as a Cook issued by an authority meeting the requirements of the OLTCH Act, or
• Post‑secondary diploma in food and nutrition management or a post‑secondary degree in food and nutrition.
• Demonstrated and proven experience in institutional, health care, restaurant, or hospitality cooking, sufficient to satisfy the licensee that the candidate can perform all required duties of the position.

Additional Qualifications

• "Red Seal" certification preferred
• Experience in institutional large‑quantity cooking preferred
• Ability to work safely, following established safety practices and procedures
• Ability to read and write English, and understand moderately complex verbal and written instructions in English
• Proven ability to provide direction and lead others within a busy environment.

Additional Requirements

• Negative vulnerable sector check completed within 6 months of start date.
• Completion of a 2‑step TB skin test within the last 12 months of start date.

Legal Statements

Southbridge welcomes applicants with disability‑related needs and those who require accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.

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