Food Services Cook

Food Services Worker/Cook

Job purpose

Through compassion and acceptance, Alcove delivers holistic programs in welcoming home-like recovery facilities, empowering women to heal from addictions and distress.

This position reports to the Executive Director or designate and requires a self-directed, organized and goal oriented individual with a sense of humour.

Alcove is a residential recovery program for women with the co-occurring experiences of abuse, addiction, and mental health distress. A diet high in sugar and fat content exacerbates both addiction cravings and depression, therefore the Food Services Worker is to be knowledgeable about low glycemic and low-fat cooking and content, as well as the Canada Food Guide.

The Food Services Worker is responsible for preparing and serving two meals and snacks each day (lunch, dinner plus 2 snacks) for the women and children and preparing and submitting a weekly menu plan. A copy of the menu is to be provided to the Executive Director or designate each week.

Duties and responsibilities

The Food Services Worker is responsible for implementing, following, and maintaining high quality culinary standards and performing a wide range of duties including some or all the following:

Meal Preparation:

• Facilitate the operation and organization of the kitchen and all food-related activities, including the presentation and serving of food
• Responsible for all agency culinary operations including preparing lunch and dinner meals plus snacks which include healthy choices and substitutions
• Meal preparation is mainly for clients (and children where applicable), however may also be required for meetings, guests, special occasions, etc.
• Accountable for all kitchen functions including maintaining pantry supplies with special attention to expiry or best before dates, weekly food menus, and preparation
• Requisitions for food purchases and supplies are to be submitted weekly
• Ensures all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to recipes, proportional, cooking and serving standards, as well as the Canada Food Guide
• Plan meals based on the seasonality or availability of food, including the appropriate amount of food needed for the number of clients in residence at the time.
• Provide alternative meals including preparing dietary dishes based on food allergies, intolerances (such as gluten free), religious needs, as well as child friendly. Create and explore new cuisines when possible.
• Plan and prepare food for parties, holiday meals, luncheons, meetings, special functions, and social events as necessary
• Determine supplies needed, submit request using caution when ordering to ensure the proper amount of food to avoid waste and spoilage, and forward same to supervisor as agreed.
• Ensure food supplies including leftovers are stored safely and in accordance with Alberta Food Safety requirements, including proper temperature, labelling, dates, proper coverage and in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage, minimizing deterioration, limiting risk of cross contamination, and following strict stock control and rotation.
• Help maintain a cohesive, cooperative work environment. being cooperative and positive in actions and speech within the department and interdepartmentally

Equipment, Maintenance, and Sanitation:

• Ensure that basic hygiene, sanitation, maintenance, and safety standards are correct and always followed
• Kitchen area and equipment are cleaned between meals. Including washing pots and pans, utensils and plates, cleaning food preparation areas, cooking areas, counters, and tables
• Floors are to be washed at the end of each shift (or sooner if any spillage)
• Clean, sanitize and inspect supplies, equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and efficient operation while conforming to standards and policy
• Provide direction and support to clients and/or volunteers who assist in preparing and serving meals
• Assign tasks and assist kitchen staff/volunteers with various tasks as needed and provide needed items.
• Uphold all hygiene and sanitary regulations and be clean and presentable at all times (e.g. report to duty punctually, practice safe work habits, promote professional work habits wearing clean and appropriate clothing and safety shoes; ensuring kitchen is a respectful environment
• Ensure a safe work environment for yourself and your co-workers/volunteers by upholding the safety rules
• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas. Adhere to sanitation standards as outlined by the Public Health Department, Alberta Health, and /or any other municipal or provincial regulations

Administrative, Service, and Standards

• Implementing and maintaining Culinary Excellence Standards
• Seek opportunities to minimize expenses and increase employee productivity without sacrificing client services
• Ensure the correct and economical use of materials and appropriate portion control is implemented
• Plan menus according to agency needs as well as client diet restrictions
• Request, pick up food and kitchen supplies and equipment as authorized
• Ensure kitchen equipment is functional, forwarding supplies or repair requests to supervisor
• Monitor food preparation and serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed
• Control inventories of food, equipment, utensils, and report shortages to supervisor
• Analyze operational problems, such as theft and wastage, and establish procedures to alleviate them
• Prepare all required paperwork, including forms, reports, and schedules in an organized and timely manner
• Understand and adhere to all policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and guidelines
• Ensure clients are treated with respect and feel welcomed
• Achieve agency’s objectives in service, quality, appearance of facility, sanitation and cleanliness and creating a positive, productive working environment
• Work with staff in the event of client behavioural issues or concerns

Safety

• The Food Services Worker must possess a food handler's permit to show they understand and can follow the health codes pertaining to safety and sanitation of the work area and cooking utensils; personal grooming; and how the proper preparation of food to avoid food-borne illnesses
• Required to wear protective headwear e.g. hair net or chef hat and use gloves when handling foods. Proper footwear is mandatory (slip-resistant, closed-toe with full coverage)

Essential Functions

• Considerable knowledge of health hazards in food preparation and service, and of necessary precautionary measures
• Must be physically fit, able to stand for extended periods of time, able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Considerable knowledge of a large variety of food recipes
• Significant knowledge of food values, menu planning, and uses for left-over and donated food
• Ability to take inventory and keep records of food
• Capacity to give significant assistance in planning menus, devising ways of using left-over and donated foods, and determining quantities of foodstuffs required in preparing regular meals

Qualifications (Education/certification/previous experience):

• Food Safety Handling Certification
• Culinary Diploma/Red Seal Certification would be an asset
• 1-3 years related experience in preparation of meals for a residential program
• Sound knowledge of low glycemic and low-fat cooking, food preparation, and making healthy choices and substitutions
• Food Safety and Food-handlers course
• First Aid with CPR

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Excellent organizational, time management and communication skills
• A team spirited self starter with high energy who enjoys a complex, fast paced work environment
• Positive perspective is focused on performance and excellent judgment.
• An awareness of boundaries and an understanding of the expectations of the role are critical
• Ability to adhere to a budget and use creativity and care in food preparation.
• Ability to design menu with food provided through donations (food bank, etc.)

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $19.00-$23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Calgary, AB T2T 2M6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• Cooking: 3 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (required)
• Food Safe, SafeCheck, Food Handler or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: In person