Cook, Meals on Wheels - Casual

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Casual 

Program Name: Meals on Wheels 

Work Schedule: Days 

On Call: No

Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

Job Summary:

The Cook is responsible for performing food preparation and cooking duties within specific nutritional guidelines as required for daily meal preparation for palliative care patients residing. Must be able to work some weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepares food in accordance with the approved menu, current standards, guidelines, and regulations.
• Maintains quality of food served, quantity prepared and sanitation of food preparation area.
• Familiar with the specific needs of clients e.g. diet restrictions, allergies and special requests/accommodations
• Ensures ordering of required ingredients and supplies. 
• Assists with the process for checking and receiving of deliveries and inventory control.
• Ensures all supplies are stored, labelled, and rotated properly.
• Maintains, clean, neat and safe working environment.
• Follows disposal procedures according to established waste management guidelines for organics, paper, plastics, cans/bottles, non-recyclable material, etc.
• Reports areas and equipment in need of repair to the maintenance department.
• Ensures kitchen appearance meets established standards for cleanliness and organization as per Public Health Standards.
• Observes problems, concerns, issues observed with food service and communicates them appropriately.
• Adheres to all established policies and procedures.

Common Responsibilities:

• Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider. 
• Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices and Procedures. 
• Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
• Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role.
• Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

External and Internal Relationships: 

• Works closely with clients, staff members, volunteers and vendors.

Education, Designations and Experience: 

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent. Diplomas from a culinary school will be an advantage.
• A minimum of one year of experience in food preparation in hospitality or healthcare industry.
• Previous experience working in palliative term care environment is an asset.
• Food Handler's Certificate preferred 
• Food Service Worker certificate preferred
• Ability to read, prepare and plan menus. 
• Ability to prepare meals within time deadlines required. 
• Knowledge of proper food handling, cooking to specific nutritional guidelines, temperature control, good hygiene and quality control are all required

Skill Requirements:

• Capable of lifting moderate weight (e.g., food items or supplies) and carrying them short distances required 
• Ability to perform duties in a professional and courteous manner 
• Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills 
• Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with patients, staff and volunteers. 

Other:

• Some traveling required.
• Ability to speak French is an asset in French Designated areas. 
• Current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check required.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check required.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.