Cook- Casual

City: Penticton

Program and Site Location: All Penticton Sites

Reports To: Head Cook

Term: Casual/On-Call up to a maximum of 40 hours per week

Wage Range: $24.43 up to $28.04 based on education and related experience.

The ASK Wellness Society is an Accredited not-for-profit organization. Through the generous support of funders, we assist those who are marginalized and at-risk to strengthen the communities we serve (Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton). We provide housing and support to those who are facing homelessness/at risk of homelessness and support those who may use substances, mental health challenges, harm reduction, health education and ultimately provide the skills to re-enter the workforce.

What We Offer:

• On-site training and development opportunities
• A culture of equality, inclusion, and diversity

Position Summary: Work alongside the Head Cook as their assistant, at an excellent level while maintaining and abiding by all standards, policies and/or procedures set forth by the ASK Wellness Society and any applicable government agencies. In partnership with the Head Cook manage daily kitchen activities, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and stocking.

Typical Duties Include:

General Cook Responsibilities

• Assist team to prepare and cook large quantities of food for 60+ (continental breakfast and dinner).
• Lead meal prep/service and supervise kitchen team in Head Cook's absence.
• Provide guidance to other kitchen staff members and tenant support workers with respect to food preparation, service, and cleaning.
• Oversee and organize kitchen stock and ingredients.
• Ensures a first-in, first-out food rotation system and verify all food products are properly dated and organized for quality assurance.
• Keep cooking stations stocked, especially before and during prime operation hours.
• Assist the Head Cook in hiring and training new kitchen employees to kitchen standards.
• Assist Head Cook with menu creation, managing food and product ordering by keeping detailed records and minimizing waste, plus works with existing systems to improve waste reduction and manage budgetary concerns.
• Verify food storage units all meet standards and are consistently well-managed.
• Regularly monitor and inspect kitchen equipment, report any problems or inconsistencies to the Head Chef and make recommendations for repair or procurement.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and safety are maintained throughout all kitchen areas at all times as per industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with all supportive standards, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties which may or may not be outlined in this job description.

Administrative Responsibilities

• When requested, assist Head Cook with reviewing invoices from suppliers for accuracy and updating computer files related to food service annually and as needed (food inventories, signage and labels, recipe books).
• When requested, be a member of the COA's Performance and Quality Improvement team in which you will encourage the organization to use data to identify areas of needed improvement and implement improvement plans in support of achieving performance targets, program goals, client satisfaction, and positive client outcomes.
• Other duties which may or may not be outlined within this job description.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years prep/cooking experience an asset.
• Formal culinary training is considered an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of food hygiene and safe kitchen practices including the use of commercial equipment and tools.
• Knowledge of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, and Trauma Informed Practice an asset.

Requirements and skills

• Understands and maintains professional boundaries.
• Must pass an acceptable criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.
• Occupational First Aid Level 1, Food Safe Level 1 and WHMIS required.
• Readiness to complete in-house online training within the first month of employment.
• As Program Participants are allowed to have pets, it is noted that this is a pet friendly environment.

How to apply: Please apply online.

If you self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and/or would like assistance with the application process, job readiness, interview readiness or tips for resume and cover letter writing, we encourage you to contact us, and you will be redirected to our Employment Advisor.

The ASK Wellness Society is dedicated to promoting diversity/multiculturalism with inclusion as one of our Core Values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.