Cook (PWLMJ)

Connecting-Care-; Moose Jaw; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Connecting-Care- in Moose Jaw is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents, honoring dietary needs and safety standards in a fast-paced kitchen.

You will handcraft meals from scratch, adjust textures as needed, maintain cleanliness, and collaborate with care staff to create a warm, home-like dining experience that supports residents' comfort and well-being.

Qualifications

• Must have formal culinary training or equivalent experience in nutrition-focused cooking.
• Experience with texture modification and dietary restrictions is preferred.
• Ability to manage time and priorities in a busy kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and proper handling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Cook meals from scratch with texture modifications as needed.
• Adhere to food handling protocols and health regulations.
• Maintain proper portion sizes and meal temperatures for residents.
• Monitor inventory and assist with supply orders.
• Collaborate with care staff to meet individual dietary needs.
• Support a welcoming, social dining atmosphere for residents.
• Ensure PPE is used properly and kitchen equipment is cleaned daily.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Meal preparation

Portion control

Communication skills

Time management

Customer service

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary food service education

Texture modified diets training

Food Safety Certification (ServSafe/FS)

WHMIS training

CPR or First Aid certification

Job description

Role Overview

A Cook plays an essential role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for residents, adhering to dietary requirements and ensuring food safety standards. The position requires culinary expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Beyond meal preparation, the Cook fosters a warm, home-like dining experience, recognizing that food is deeply connected to comfort, connection, and well-being.

Key Accountabilities

• Cooking meals from scratch, ensuring proper texture modifications and serving meals at appropriate temperatures while prioritizing resident enjoyment and dignity at mealtimes.
• Adhering to food handling protocols, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring compliance with health regulations.
• Maintaining proper portion sizes, adjusting textures for residents with swallowing difficulties, and ensuring meals are visually appealing.
• Monitoring ingredient levels, ordering supplies as needed, and ensuring kitchen equipment is in working order.
• Working closely with kitchen ECPs and care personnel to meet individual dietary needs by engaging residents in conversations about their favorite meals and meaningful food memories.
• Adjusting meals based on resident feedback and ensuring a high level of sat isfaction wi th the food provided.
• Preparing and providing appropriate texture modified meals and dietary requirements
• Supporting meal time service to residents as required and fostering an inviting and social atmosphere at the table.
• Cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment daily.
• Maintaining environmental public health standards and provincial standards for regulatory bodies.
• Participating in community committees and working groups to support community initiatives.
• Performing other kitchen-related tasks as required.
• Ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.

Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Post Secondary Education in a related food service or hospitality field.
• Training in special diets and texture modified diets.
• Food Safety Certification (e.g., ServSafe or Food Safe).
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training.
• CPR or First Aid Certification (preferred but not mandatory).

Required Experience and Skills

• 2-4 years of experience in cooking in a restaurant or senior living environment
• Strong understanding of nutrition and dietary needs, particularly for seniors.
• Excellent culinary skills, including meal preparation, flavor balancing, and portion control.
• Experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally in healthcare or senior living settings.
• Experience with bulk cooking, texture modifications, and dietary restrictions such as diabetic or low-sodium meals.
• Knowledge of food allergens and special diet accommodations
• Time management skills to efficiently prepare meals and meet meal schedules.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Good communication skills for collaboration with staff and residents.
• Excellent customer service skills

Additional Preferred Education and Skills

• Preference will be given to candidates with culinary degree or certificate from a recognized culinary school.

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