Food Prep Worker

JOB TITLE: KITCHEN HELPER / ASSISTANT COOK

SLS SPECIFIC PREAMBLE:

The Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook works as part of the Food and Nutrition Services team in a senior living environment, supporting meal preparation, food service, sanitation, and resident dining experiences while following all food safety standards and organizational policies.

GENERAL POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook assists with food preparation, meal assembly, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking supplies, and supporting cooks in daily kitchen operations. The position ensures residents receive nutritious meals in a safe, respectful, and home-like dining environment. The employee performs all duties in accordance with organizational policies, occupational health and safety standards, and provincial regulations.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with preparation of meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts according to standardized recipes and dietary requirements.
• Washes, peels, cuts, and prepares vegetables, fruits, and ingredients for meal production.
• Portions and serves food attractively while following portion control standards.
• Assists cooks during meal service and catering events.
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment, workstations, dining areas, and storage rooms.
• Operates dishwashing equipment and ensures dishes, utensils, and pots are properly sanitized.
• Labels, dates, stores, and rotates food products using FIFO procedures.
• Receives and stocks food and supply deliveries appropriately.
• Records temperatures and follows HACCP food safety procedures.
• Removes kitchen garbage and recycling and maintains waste disposal areas.
• Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows safe work practices.
• Assists residents and customers courteously during meal service.
• Supports special functions, celebrations, and catering services as required.
• Reports maintenance, safety, and supply concerns to management.
• Attends required in-services, meetings, and training sessions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by management.

EDUCATION AND SPECIFIC TRAINING:

Mandatory:

• Ability to read and write English at Grade 12 level and follow instructions.
• Food Safe Certificate or willingness to obtain during probation period.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, visitors, and co-workers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to schedule changes.
• Ability to safely handle kitchen equipment and cleaning chemicals.
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required.
• Covid-19 and annual influenza vaccination records required.

Preferred:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in healthcare, long-term care, or commercial food service.
• Experience operating kitchen equipment such as slicers, mixers, steamers, and dishwashers.

CONCENTRATED “ON THE JOB” LEARNING TIME REQUIRED:

About 3 months of supervised training and orientation required to achieve job competence.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

Lifting Weight Range:

• Under 5 kg (11 lbs.)
• 05–10 kg (11–22 lbs.) – Frequent
• 10–20 kg (22–45 lbs.) – Occasional

Other Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout shifts.
• Exposure to hot surfaces, steam, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals.
• Frequent manual dexterity for food preparation and dishwashing tasks.
• Ability to maintain concentration and work efficiently during busy meal periods.

WORKING CONDITIONS OF JOB:

(a) Work Conditions:

Exposure to heat, steam, kitchen noise, cleaning chemicals, refrigerators, and freezers.

(b) Scheduled Work Week:

Shift work including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

(c) Travel:

None.

The Food Prep Worker prepares, and portions food items and performs various duties in accordance with production requirements and Aramark sanitation standards. Uses daily worksheets and standardized recipes to cook meals.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares all food items using prep lists and standard Aramark recipes.
• Follows proper food handling procedures.
• Maintains accurate rotation of food to assure top quality and freshness.
• Manages leftover foods correctly; cover, label, date, and accurately store according to Aramark standards.
• Maintains clean and orderly refrigerators and work areas.
• Ensures stations are cleaned, sanitized, and organized at the end of the shift (including cleaning of kitchen equipment).
• Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment that conforms to all food safety standards and regulations.
• Follows safety policies and accident reporting procedures.
• Completes all required training.
  

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum one-year prep work or food service-related work preferred.
• Knowledge of food prep, proper knife handling, temperature control, and sanitation is helpful.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication with others.
• Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
  

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Education