Cook

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

Accountabilities:
Cook

1. Participate in food preparation to ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to posted menu plan, special dietary concerns, recipes, portion control, cooking and serving standards.
2. Prepare and serve attractive, nutritious meals, according to the prepared menu plans and in accordance with applicable food service and Canada Food Guide.
3. Adapt work practices within specific parameters to ensure the efficient delivery of food services.
4. Participate in the receiving of food and kitchen supply deliveries by sorting and storing in a safe manner according to policy and health & safety standards.
5. Ensure food supplies for the day’s meals are removed from appropriate storage areas.
6. Make use of and decide on best use of resources, including donations to minimize waste and to prepare meals.
7. Participate in the rotation of food products on a regular basis to avoid spoilage or forgotten food.
8. Ensure left over food items are stored properly in refrigerator and/or freezer including label with date, time, and item information.
9. Ensure frozen foods are rotated and used according to date of receipt.
10. Prepare evening snack and leave for Front Line Workers.
11. Prepare baked items making use of donated baking supplies.
12. Prepare coffee, tea, juice, etc. for each meal.
13. Provide courteous, sanitary, and timely food service to residents and guests.
14. Perform other position related duties as required.

Volunteer Supervision and Task Delegation

1. Welcome volunteers by providing an orientation to the kitchen and explain what the meal is and what their duties are during their ‘shift’.
2. Instruct (teach) and monitor volunteer food service staff who are assisting in food preparation.
3. Train (teach) volunteer of proper sanitation i.e. wear hairnet, gloves, apron, hand washing, etc.
4. Train (teach) volunteers on the use of equipment/tools to reduce the risk of injury.
5. Always ensure proper sanitary conditions in the kitchen.
6. Work according to the Health & Safety Act and Regulations.

Health & Safety

1. Ensure all food products and kitchen equipment are stored in an orderly and safe manner according to food safety standards and health and safety procedures.
2. Follow guidelines for the safety and security of food and equipment and monitor practices to ensure adherence.
3. Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, report any equipment issues to supervisor. Complete maintenance request form.
4. Maintain sanitation, hygiene, health and safety standards and safe handling of foods while performing duties.
5. Maintain cleanliness of all equipment, drawers, and cupboards and clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces and utensils.
6. Adhere to fire and health and safety standards pertaining to the kitchen and other areas of the facility.
7. Clean kitchen food services area after each meal including but not limited to: stove hood, kitchen ventilation system, ovens, stove backsplash, stove top, microwave oven, steamer, grill and cupboards.
8. Clean dining room area after each meal including but not limited to: tables, chairs, serving counter, water station, toaster, trolleys, freezer doors, windowsills, etc.
9. Remove bread trays to storage area for return to vendor.
10. Thoroughly sweep and scrub (mop) kitchen floor after each meal.
11. Thoroughly sweep and scrub (mop) storage room floors on a weekly basis.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Governance Boards And Councils
Internal

1. Clients
2. Community Members
3. Management
4. Frontline Staff
5. Volunteers

External

1. Health Inspector
2. Vendors

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY

1. This position reports directly to the Director of Programs or designate.

Working Conditions

1. Indoor setting where working with hot food/water and cold food and walk-in freezer.
2. Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and frequently lift more than 20 pounds; work in a standing position for long periods.
3. May deal with clients or volunteers who become angry.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education And Experience Qualifications
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

1. Completion of a formal post-secondary/college CERTIFICATE program and/or specialized courses or certification e.g. Cook Basic Level 1 & 2.
2. Cook’s papers, one (1) year course would be an asset.
3. Safe Food Handler’s Certification is required.
4. Completion of Non-Violence Crisis Intervention Training or willingness to obtain.
5. Current First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain.

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements

1. Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, with at least one (1) year of institutional cooking experience.

Skills And Capabilities

1. Support for and an understanding of the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
2. Ability to work with people experiencing homelessness.
3. Experience working with volunteers and delegating tasks.
4. Experience cooking for 200+ people for lunch and dinner.
5. Possess a positive attitude and works well with other team members.
6. Self-motivated and disciplined.
7. Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English.
8. Possess good knowledge of nutrition and safe food handling.
9. To maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and staff of The Salvation Army.
10. Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion and provide an original copy of a Background check with vulnerable sector screening.
11. Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
12. In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada. The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $18.99 to $23.73 with a maximum of $28.48. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.