Lead Cook

**ABOUT MADISON**:
Madison Community Services is a non-profit agency, which promotes the independence, health, recovery and community integration of persons with mental health challenges through the provision of mental health case management, supportive housing and a broad range of other programs and services.

Madison Community Services operates two supportive housing programs, that both provide clients with three meals per in a high-rise building, with each their respective program space/kitchen. PTH is a 24/7 intensive on-site high support housing program for long-term users of the shelter system with complex mental health and addictions (MH&A) and/or developmental disabilities (DD) - who require high levels of support to address their mental, cognitive, physical health and other significant challenges, and the CAMH/Habitat program serves those facing mental health challenges, and are leaving hospital for independent living.

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This position will require the individual to deliver high quality food as part of a community meal program.

The position requires respect for, and the expertise working with people who face developmental, mental health issues, addictions, abuse and social isolation and who come from radically and ethnically diverse backgrounds. The Cook will participate in departmental planning, and develop, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment. In addition, the Cook will provide safe food handling, food preparation, operating commercial cooking equipment, kitchen cleanliness, food presentation and basic culinary skills.

**DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND RELATED TASKS**
- Referring to list of needed ingredients on a day-to-day basis and checking inventory; ensuring ingredients are available.
- Acquiring ingredients not available in storage and ensuring all supplies are bought with the set budget.
- Assisting in monthly inventory recording of supplies and reconciliation.
- Operating for the cooking purposes commercial cooking equipment such as stoves, cookers, ovens and fryers.
- Preparing required ingredients for recipes.
- Ensure that recipes are followed properly during food preparation and cooking time.
- Making arrangements to ensure food is stored in a safe orderly manner and used resourcefully.
- Maintaining kitchen order by ensuring cleanliness of tables, counters and work areas. - Ensuring all prepared dishes look aesthetically pleasing.
- Ensure appropriate portions have been prepared.
- Assisting in checking food deliveries for both quantity and quality standards.
- Ensuring that proper measures are taken when opening and closing the kitchen.
- Reporting any equipment in need of repair to the Program Manager or designate for service.
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

**QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**
- Current Food Handler’s Certificate.
- Minimum five (5) years culinary experience required.
- Strong knowledge of accepted sanitation standards and applicable health codes.
- Knowledge of proper food handling procedures, sanitation and safety procedures.
- Basic mathematical skills necessary to understand recipes, measurements and requisition amounts and portion sizes.
- Knowledge of culinary techniques such as cutting, cooking principles and plate presentation.
- Possess strong skills in crisis intervention, and conflict resolution and be able to have sound problem solving and decision-making skills under pressure and be able to create and implement creative solutions.
- Ability to work productively within a team setting and also independently.
- Ability to work with limited direct day-to-day supervision.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
- Strong understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty.
- Ability to plan and prioritize work, to adapt to changing conditions, and to develop creative solutions to problems.
- Literacy in Word, Excel, Outlook, Windows.
- Vulnerable Sector Background Check/Clearance required.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: From $20.90 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Weekend availability

Application question(s):

- Do you have a Food Handler's Certificate?

**Experience**:

- community service: 2 years (required)

Work Location: One location