Lead Cook

**Position Summary**:
Reporting to the Support Services Manager, the Cook IV position will ensure the high quality and consistency of food preparation and presentation at Maplewood House. The Cook IV position is responsible for planning, preparing and/or directing the preparation of all meals, including special dietary requirements and nourishment breaks while ensuring a positive work environment for all team members. Actively participates in the continuous quality improvement program to ensure a high level of Resident and Family satisfaction.

Works with the Support Services Manager to determine and implement best practices. This position participates in developing and monitoring the budget and assists the Manager in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of systems, processes, policies, procedures, products, budgets, services, and equipment.

Supervises kitchen team members by scheduling and coordinating work assignments, evaluating employee performance, and determining related training and orientation requirements.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
Produce consistent food products while following recipes with reduced supervision and direction from the Support Services Manager, while maintaining quality standards.
- Prepares and/or directs the preparation of food and therapeutic diet items such as soups, sauces, salads, starches, meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and desserts by methods/procedures such as roasting, frying, grilling, steaming, poaching, boiling, and baking. Tests food items for palatability and temperature and adjust accordingly.
- Carves food items such as meat and poultry and controls portioning of food items to ensure recipe yield meets assigned quantity quotas; evaluates meals being served to ensure established standards of quality and quantity are maintained.
- Identify and safely use all kitchen equipment. Operates a variety of cooking equipment such as meat slices, choppers, convection and conventional oven, blenders, steamers, fryers, etc.
- Ensures all phases of food preparation meet or exceed health and safety requirements i.e. Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Adult Care Regulations, WHMIS, WorkSafe, provincial safety standards etc.
- Provides leadership and supervises designated staff by scheduling and coordinating work assignments, evaluating employee performance, and determining related training and orientation requirements.
- Making adjustments to daily menus to accommodate residents with specific therapeutic diet needs and food texture requirements. Prepares therapeutic (low sodium, low fat, gluten free, diabetic, etc.) and texture modified (diced, minced, blended, etc.) meals for special diets as per nutritional guidelines and standards.
- Oversees and updates standards and procedures; ensures safety practices and procedures are being adhered to. Monitors and records food temperatures for cooking, hot holding and all other food storage according to food safety guidelines. Ensures the safety and security of the kitchen.
- Ensures adherence to infection control practices and provides education to kitchen team members as required for outbreak and basic infection control practices.
- Prepares and serves food for special catered functions or groups, coordinates with the Recreation Manager for special Resident and Family events.
- Builds a positive relationship with Residents and Families and skillfully resolves Resident and Family concerns and issues, takes follow-up action to ensure a high-quality dining and meal experience.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Education, Training and Experience**:
Graduation from a recognized 12-month program in cooking plus three years recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Proven ability to assume responsibility and provide collaborative coaching/mentoring/leadership regarding planning, preparing and/or the preparation of all meals and nourishments (including therapeutic diets) from 200 to 1,199 meals per day.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing at various levels of the organization.
- Ability to deal with others effectively; ability to coach and mentor other staff.
- Ability to resolve issues in a customer service environment, tactfully and equitably, with mínimal supervision.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and ensure a safe working environment.
- Ability to organize work, effectively prioritize workload, both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to safely operate and maintain related equipment.
- Proficient in health and safety and FOODSAFE rules and regulations.

**Salary**: $29.40 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person