Cook - 6289D

Starling-Community-Services; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension plan (voluntary)

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Paid vacation

Personal time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Staff appreciation events

Job summary

Starling Community Services seeks a casual Cook, LVP to support residents with varied dietary needs. You will guide kitchen staff, assist in menu development, and ensure clear communication with residents. The role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth.

The position starts Sept 23, 2026, with flexible hours. Compensation is based on a band with benefits including pension and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• OSSD or equivalent with a valid safe food handling certificate is required.
• Red Seal is an asset; two years of formal food preparation training preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly with residents and staff.

Responsibilities

• Meet dietary and food service requirements of residents with diverse needs.
• Provide guidance and training to food services staff on preparation procedures.
• Contribute ideas for menus catering to a diverse resident group.
• Communicate menu details to residents and guests while respecting privacy.

Skills

Food service knowledge

Menu planning

Resident communication

Education

OSSD or equivalent with safe food handling

Safe food handling certificate

Red Seal asset (preferred)

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $23.34 CAD to $24.96 CAD
  Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band.Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range.

Description

Join Our Team
Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 22,586 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

One casual Cook, LVP position available, starting on September 23, 2026, working various hours per week.

What’s In It for You?

• Job Band D (hourly wages): Min - $23.34, Mid - $24.12, Max - $24.96.
• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Eligible to join the HOOPP defined pension plan on a voluntary basis.
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistant Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.
• Paid vacation (pro-rated to start date and hours for position; accumulated bi-weekly)
• 15 hours of personal time per year.
• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.
• Employee Referral Incentive Program.
• Agency Orientation and Training modules.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Staff appreciation events.

Your Role:

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Under the direction of the Manager of Food Services, assumes responsibility for meeting the dietary and food service requirements of residents with differing needs and preferences.
• Provides guidance and training to food services staff in all dietary and food preparation procedures.
• Contributes ideas toward the creation of menu that caters to a diverse resident group.
• Communicates and answers questions from residents and guests related to the menu.
• Maintains the confidentiality of information relating to residents and their families.
• Works in alignment with the Agency’s commitment to equity to further create a sense of belonging at the Agency.
• The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Your Talents and Experience:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a valid safe food handling certificate required.
• Red Seal an asset or two-years of formal food preparation training preferred. Must be able to communicate clearly with residents and staff.
• Must be able to perform mathematical calculations for ordering food and calculating portions.
• Has had previous experience developing menus for the senior population.
• Has a solid understanding of how to use and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Must demonstrate empathy for and understanding of the needs of seniors, their families and the professionals engaged in their care.
• Must be knowledgeable of and capable of interpreting legislation related to food handling, WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety and infection control.

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us.

no later than 4 pm on September 09, 2026.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.