Casual Cook/ Casual Dietary Aide

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 6,000 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Reporting to either the Food Services Manager or Support Services Manager, the Cook Level I is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals in accordance with residents' dietary needs, preferences, and safety standards in a timely, sanitary and compassionate manner, contributing to the overall wellness and satisfaction of residents.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

Prepares food using various methods including roasting, frying, grilling, steaming, poaching, boiling, and baking, as directed.

• Assembles and organizes ingredients and equipment for food preparation.
• Cooks and seasons assigned menu and therapeutic diet items such as soups, sauces, salads, starches, meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables as directed.
• Plans cooking schedule to produce food of optimal quality and nutritional value according to the menu.
• Controls portioning of food items ensuring recipe yield meets assigned quantity servings.
• Prepares food for special events, large orders and catered functions.
• Samples food items for palatability and temperature and adjusts accordingly.
• Monitors and records cooler and freezer temperatures to ensure proper food safety.
• Ensures stored food rotation is maintained and properly controlled to minimize spoilage and waste.
• Ensures Food Safety and Sanitation Plans are displayed and followed in accordance with health authority regulations.
• Tests and records the concentration of the dish machine chemicals and temperatures to ensure safety and sanitation.
• Monitors inventory and incoming deliveries of products and supplies.
• Ensures a safe and sanitary environment for team members and residents through adherence to organizational standards and protocols.
• Acts as a backup for the Food Services Manager as applicable.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Respects and upholds the Resident Bill of Rights and the Assisted Living Rights of Residents.
• Graduate from a recognized culinary institute is an asset.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in food preparation, including home-style or restaurant cooking.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Comprehensive food services knowledge, focusing on quality, production, sanitation, and presentation is an asset.
• Maintains an active Food Safe certification.
• Experience as a Dietary aide is an asset
• CPR and First Aid certification is an asset.
• Strong personal hygiene practices are required.
• Ability to communicate professionally and maintain respectful relationships with residents, team members, volunteers and visitors.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Active Food Safe Certification