Cook

Dietary Department
The Northside Community Guest Home – North Sydney, NS

Job Title: Cook
Department: Dietary
Responsible To: Director of Dietary Services

Purpose

The Cook is responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of meals in accordance with established menus, resident dietary requirements, and departmental standards. The Cook prepares and bakes food for residents throughout the facility while ensuring appropriate food safety, sanitation, infection control, and workplace safety practices are followed.

The Cook may also provide direction and assistance to Food Service Workers and provide coverage for the Director of Dietary Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items according to established menus, recipes, departmental policies, and resident dietary requirements.
• Prepare and bake food in appropriate quantities while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Follow menus and dietary instructions established by Dietary Services and the Dietitian.
• Ensure therapeutic, texture-modified, and other special dietary requirements are followed accurately.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, personal hygiene, and safe food-handling practices.
• Monitor and record food holding, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures as required.
• Safely operate kitchen appliances and equipment.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, food preparation areas, and workspaces as required.
• Follow infection control, WHMIS, fire safety, equipment safety, and safe lifting procedures.
• Assist with the orientation and training of new Dietary employees as assigned.
• Attend required education, in-services, and departmental meetings.
• Assist with the supervision and direction of Food Service Workers as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required within the scope of the position.

Equipment Used

Mixers, slicers, vegetable peelers, knives, dishwashers, microwave ovens, ovens, stovetops, steamers, food processors, blenders, and other commercial kitchen equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The position involves regular interaction with residents, family members, employees, and visitors.

The Cook must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, stir, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements associated with food preparation. The position requires the ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment and may involve exposure to heat, steam, cold temperatures, wet surfaces, and kitchen equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Food Safety/Food Handler certification required.
• Red Seal Cook certification considered an asset.
• Previous cooking experience required.
• Previous experience in healthcare, long-term care, or institutional food service considered an asset.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, dietary instructions, and safe food-handling procedures.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Hours of Work

Hours are subject to scheduling requirements and may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Employment Type: Casual
Expected Hours: Approximately 4–40 hours per week, depending on operational requirements and available shifts.