Prep Cook

VRS Communities Society is looking for a **Casual Prep Cook**to join our team at our Nanaimo, Lakeside Gardens Senior Community. If you’re looking for a position with great working hours and work-life balance, then this may be the position for you Continue reading below for more information. We look forward to working with you

**Schedule**: 9:30am-5:30pm - Thursday-Saturday

**JOB SUMMARY**:
The Prep Cook is responsible for the preparation, storage, and service of menu items to the required standard and the general direction of all dietary staff. Responsibilities also include ordering supplies, quality control, and other duties related to the ongoing operation of the department.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
1. Prepare food products as directed by the Chef in charge, maintaining Canada's Food Standards and Lakeside Gardens individual resident needs.

2. Plans and prepares food for special functions.

3. Ensures quality control of snacks and meals and that food is prepared and served according to schedule.

4. To ensure established standards of quality and quantity are being maintained, tests for palatability and temperature and adjusts accordingly.

5. Estimates food requirements according to nutritional and therapeutic diet needs; orders and receives supplies as required.

6. Reports inventory shortages to the Food Services Manager.

7. Responsible for inventory control and ensures that food and supplies are rotated to minimize spoilage and waste.

8. Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the food preparation area and kitchen equipment - inclusive of preventative maintenance.

9. Actively participates in Continuous Quality Improvement plan.

10. Maintains a current knowledge of and liaisons with other departments as to special requirements.

11. Maintains the confidentiality of information relating to residents, families, colleagues, and the operation of the residence and organization.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

13. Committed to excellence.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Must be skilled at problem-solving, including being able to identify issues and resolve them in a timely manner.
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to prioritize and plan work activities to use time efficiently.
- Must be organized, accurate, thorough, and able to monitor work for quality.
- Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction, and must be able to provide performance through management feedback.
- Must have the ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal relations by displaying tact, courtesy and patience with applicants, clients, and staff.

**EDUCATION/TRAINING**:

- A Certified Chef from an accredited school or equivalent Cook experience.
- WHMIS Certificate.
- Food Safe Level 1.

**EXPERIENCE**:

- Minimum two years experience in volume food preparation in hospitality industry.
- Previous experience working with seniors is considered an asset.

**PERSONAL**
- Must be able to speak English fluently and communicate effectively both verbally and in the composition of written materials.
- Must pass a Criminal Record Check.
- A people-person with a heart for seniors and a positive, outgoing disposition. Ability to work independently with a commitment to achieve deadlines.

**Job Type**: Casual

Pay: $22.38-$25.61 per hour

**Education**:

- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (required)

**Experience**:

- Cooking: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Food Safety Certification (required)
- WHMIS Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person