Cook (Full Time)

Copernicus Lodge is a not-for-profit, charitable and ethno-specific organization made possible through the efforts of the Polish Canadian community and the vision of Father Michael Smith, OMI. Located in the heart of the Roncesvalles community in the heart of west-end Toronto, we provide a continuum of care in a predominantly Polish, Roman Catholic environment to meet the changing needs of our seniors. The Lodge is comprised of an Adult Day Program, 200 independent, affordable self-care apartments with a Supportive Housing program, and a 228 bed Long Term Care home.

Reporting directly to the Food Service Supervisor, the **Cook** is responsible for all phases of food production following standards for sanitation, safe food preparation and therapeutic diet and texture modifications. The Cook follows recipes for regular, texture modification and therapeutic diets. The Cook follows proper operation of all equipment used for food preparation and instructs the Kitchen Helper as required.

**Key Areas of Responsibility**:

- The pre-preparation and preparation of all meal and catering items according to production requirements and established menu cycle.
- Food preparation based on standardized recipes and production list requirements for meals and snacks and principles of conventional cooking.
- Hot and cold bulk food portioning for RHAs and hot and cold food plating for dining room.
- Maintain excellent sanitation in the kitchen, including keeping food safe within appropriate temperature zones and covering, labelling and dating of leftovers.
- Keep all work areas clean and sanitary, free from clutter.
- Maintain usable and safe food
- “In-charge” responsibilities (Cook I and Cook II) on weekends and statutory holidays; This involves handling all issues/concerns that arise in the Dietary department and contacting the supervisor/manager, if support is needed;
- Prepare, cook and portion food for regular diet, various textures, therapeutic diets and special requests following standardized recipes and following established cooking principles.
- Serve meals to various groups according to their needs: bulk service to RHAs, individual plating for dining room, adult day program, staff and visitors
- Provide instruction to Kitchen Helpers to ensure smooth work flow according to production sheets and hot and cold food requirements.
- Ensure all meals are prepared on time and in accordance with production requirements and fulfilling all sanitation and safety food standards
- Prepare for the next day’s production as required according to normal food service techniques, e.g. roast meat, freeze cabbage, etc. for next day.
- Ensure quality preparation of food items.
- Prepare required amounts of food as outlined on daily food production sheet.
- Communicate with fellow cooks concerning advance preparation.
- Follow meat tempering schedule.
- Ensure all individual plates are served in an attractive manner.
- Assist in developing new recipes and standardized recipes
- Assist in reviewing new and revised master menus and provide expertise in use of equipment and small-wares needs with regard to new and revised menus

**Qualifications**:

- Must have a chef training or culinary management diploma from a program that meets the standard established by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
- Must complete the Certified Food Handler course within 3 months of date of hire and be recertified every 5 years as per the standard
- Preferred 6 to 12 months experience in institutional kitchen.
- Able to work independently to produce an entire meal including all therapeutic and texture variation and able to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge of safe food handling, food storage methods, sanitation principles.
- Knowledge of therapeutic diets.
- Genuine interest to provide care and services to seniors
- Able to provide good customer service; resident-focused
- Able to follow oral and written instructions and standardized recipes.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Knowledge of operation and sanitation of commercial cooking equipment.
- Able to maintain a position of trust and confidentiality.
- Polish language and knowledge of Polish cuisine an asset.
- Must read and write in English.

Copernicus Lodge is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Copernicus Lodge is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: visible minorities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

**Salary**: From $21.24 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

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