Let us welcome you home

Optima Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long Term Care and Memory Care communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Our communities are among the best places to live in Western Canada.

**Our Vision:**For every person to feel at home.

This is truly supported by our credo. “Let us welcome you home.” At Optima Living, we feel genuinely honoured to work with our residents and we advocate a person-centered approach where the resident is the focus of all our endeavours

Position Summary

Reporting to either the Food Services Manager or Support Services Manager, the Cook Level I is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals in accordance with residents' dietary needs, preferences, and safety standards in a timely, sanitary and compassionate manner, contributing to the overall wellness and satisfaction of residents.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepares food using various methods including roasting, frying, grilling, steaming, poaching, boiling, and baking, as directed.
• Assembles and organizes ingredients and equipment for food preparation.
• Cooks and seasons assigned menu and therapeutic diet items such as soups, sauces, salads, starches, meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables as directed.
• Plans cooking schedule to produce food of optimal quality and nutritional value according to the menu.
• Controls portioning of food items ensuring recipe yield meets assigned quantity servings.
• Prepares food for special events, large orders and catered functions.
• Samples food items for palatability and temperature and adjusts accordingly.
• Monitors and records cooler and freezer temperatures to ensure proper food safety.
• Ensures stored food rotation is maintained and properly controlled to minimize spoilage and waste.
• Ensures Food Safety and Sanitation Plans are displayed and followed in accordance with health authority regulations.
• Tests and records the concentration of the dish machine chemicals and temperatures to ensure safety and sanitation.
• Monitors inventory and incoming deliveries of products and supplies.
• Reads and understands relevant dietary, clinical and recreational communications.
• Ensures a safe and sanitary environment for team members and residents through adherence to organizational standards and protocols.
• Acts as a backup for the Food Services Manager as applicable.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Respects and upholds the Resident Bill of Rights and the Assisted Living Rights of Residents (BC only).
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate from a recognized culinary institute is an asset.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in food preparation, including home-style or restaurant cooking.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Comprehensive food services knowledge, focusing on quality, production, sanitation, and presentation is an asset.
• Maintains an active Food Safe certification.
• CPR and First Aid certification is an asset.
• Strong personal hygiene practices are required.
• Ability to supervise when necessary.
• Ability to communicate professionally and maintain respectful relationships with residents, team members, volunteers and visitors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Active Food Safe Certification