Cook

The Cook at The Salvation Army's Nanaimo New Hope Centre plays a pivotal role in fulfilling our mission to serve and support individuals and families in need within our community. This position is responsible for creating nourishing and balanced meals that provide sustenance, warmth, and comfort to those who rely on our services. The Cook ensures that the kitchen operates efficiently, meals are prepared to high standards, and dietary requirements are met while maintaining a strong commitment to food safety and community engagement.

• The cook, in following the menus established by the Food Services Manager, must be skilled and efficient in planning the utilization of all food products such as leftovers, donations, types and varieties of meals to be served.
• Perform all the functions of a cook in preparation of a wide variety of foods, portions cooked, carving of meats, vegetable servings and overall kitchen practices.
• Maintain a wholesome menu selection presenting a variety of food selections and appetizing in presentation.
• Assist and coordinate preparation for special luncheons and events as requested by the Manager.
• Maintain a professional atmosphere and control of the kitchen, dining room and equipment.
• Have a solid understanding of food and product inventory control and associated duties, including ordering and recommending supplies required.
• Ensure kitchen and dining room are maintained at a high level of cleanliness according to health standards and the standards of NHC.
• Direct and instruct kitchen helpers and volunteers.
• Understand impact of donations and supply and demand.
• Maintain organization of food items with attention to cleanliness and ease of access, and rotating stock for effective use.
• Receive and inspect incoming orders of food for quantity and quality, ensuring proper storage in appropriate areas, e.g. storerooms, coolers, freezers.
• May be assigned other duties.

Critical Relationship Management:

• Governance Boards and Councils: None
• Internal: Food Services Manager, Kitchen Staff, Other Staff, and Volunteers.
• External: Community Stakeholders

Managerial / Technical responsibility:  

• Reports directly to: Food Services Manager.
• Direct reports for this position: n/a

Working Conditions:  

• Works in a Kitchen environment, with the associated risks and hazards.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:  

• Must have High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of related cook/food service education.
• Valid Food Safe Certification required.
• Clear TB Skin Test required.
• Criminal record clearance through the BC Criminal Records Review Program required.
• Security clearance through Correctional Services Canada required.
• Valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 or equivalent an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License an asset.
• Valid WHIMS certificate an asset.
• Completion of NHC mandatory, especially ARMATUS abuse training, required.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements  

• Must have at least two (2) years of experience as a Cook in a professional kitchen.
• Proficiency in preparing, cooking, and presenting a wide range of dishes.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices to ensure the safe handling and storage of food.
• Ability to manage food inventory efficiently to minimize waste and ensure that food supplies are available as needed.
• Basic budgeting skills to help manage food costs and allocate resources effectively.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques, such as baking, grilling, sautéing, and stewing.

• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Must possess administrative skills and be computer literate or be willing to train.
• Must be calm in busy and sometimes stressful situations.
• Must be well organized.
• Effective time management skills to ensure that meals are prepared and served on time.
• Good communication skills to work with kitchen staff, volunteers, and coordinate with other departments within the organization.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, such as varying food donations, and still produce high-quality meals.
• Must be presentable in appearance in accordance with NHC standards.
• The ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently, to ensure the kitchen's smooth operation.

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent.
• A clear vulnerable sector screening.
• A clean drivers abstract.
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training.

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.