Cook - Casual

THE ROLE

As a member of the peopleCare dietary team, the cook will follow established policies, procedures and standards.  This position prepares and serves food for the residents, including the more complex meal preparation for the facility as required.  As part of this dietary team, the cook will ensure a focus on sound nutritional practices while following dietetic professional practice standards.  The cook is responsible for the production and service of high quality safe nutritious food.

Reports to: Director of Food Services

RESPONSIBILITIES

Determined by the home and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and/or be responsible for the preparation/delivery of food following therapeutic diets according to planned menus for residents, guests and (as required), employees.
• Reviews menus before preparing meals and prepares and serves them properly and attractively.
• Ensures use of proper food handling techniques.
• Assists in serving meals, following resident's diet and food preferences using proper serving utensils and portion sizes.
• In consultation with Director of Dietary Services makes menu substitutions as necessary and records these in designated place. Meets time schedule for service of meals and nourishments.
• Manages mealtime activities in the absence of the Dietary Aide.
• Follows daily production charts, standardized recipes and daily composite menus, while working within a set budget.
• Completes all necessary documentation (food and refrigeration temperatures, dish machine temperatures if applicable, menu changes) as assigned.
• Assists in converting recipes to different quantities and preparing/following daily production charts.
• Dates, labels, and stores food properly.
• Assists in food purchasing if required.
  
  
• Assists in receiving and storing incoming food and supplies.
• Monitors quality of food supplies received and advises Director of Dietary Services of problems. Reports food, supply, and equipment needs to the Director of Dietary Services.
• Completes pre-start up equipment checks as necessary.
• Keeps work area clean and uncluttered and completes scheduled cleaning duties.
• Alerts Director of Dietary Services to problems and makes recommendations about corrective action. Assists with maintaining the security of the department.
• Participates actively in department's Quality Management program and any department/home committees as requested.
• Complies with all provincial/long term care regulations and established dietary department policies and procedures.
• Oversees the dietary department in the absence of the Director of Dietary Services when required to do so. (i.e.: supervising staff, ordering, diet changes, menu changes, temperature checks, etc.)
• Communicates and cooperates with the staff, residents and their families.
• Promotes a positive team spirit within the department.
• Participates actively in planning/preparing special occasion and theme meal days.
• Attends department and home staff meetings, in-services and other required training sessions.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new dietary employees.
• Assists in maintaining the dietary department in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Be knowledgeable of, and practice, home's fire, safety and emergency programs. May participate in resident care conferences and progress reviews.
• Follows and complies with health and safety legislation and departmental safe job procedures. Maintains good attendance record according to company policy.
• Performs other duties as are necessary and appropriate.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefer chef training or culinary management diploma from a program that meets the standard established by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  Must have successfully completed Food Service Worker Certificate from an accredited college.
• Must maintain up to date certification in the Food Safety Food Safety Awareness Program offered by Public Health.
• Preference will be given to individuals who have previous Long Term Care experience
• Must have experience in large quantity food preparation, preferably in health care or long term care setting.
• Must be able to read, write and accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must demonstrate a creative flair for menu planning, food preparation and presentation.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation, Food Safety Code of Practice and Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
• Must have working knowledge of special and therapeutic diets.
• Must be physically able to lift and transfer heavy items, hot items and stand for majority of shift. Must be able to work accurately, quickly, and safely.
• Must be able to increase or decrease recipes to meet the needs of the home.
• Must be an effective team player who works well with others.
• Must be able to work and communicate effectively with residents of an LTC home.
• Must have leadership ability and be able to direct the dietary department in the absence of the Director of Food Services.