Cook
Location: Vancouver Hospice
Reporting to: Manager, Support Services
Job status: Permanent 0.6 FTE (45 hours bi-weekly)
Compensation: $29.63/hour (in alignment with Grid Level 19 of HEABC Facilities Wage Schedule)
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO WORK HERE?
Canuck Place careers are full of connection, community, and care. We aim to nurture a supportive culture rooted in compassion, collaboration and support while providing expert care to children and families. Our team includes individuals with a special blend of sensitivity, compassion, and appreciation for life. Canuck Place is where no moment is missed. A place where you can make a difference.
We offer competitive compensation and a benefits package focusing on wellness and self-care that includes:
- 20 days’ vacation (pro-rated to your full-time equivalency) to start with ongoing annual anniversary increases up to an organizational maximum of 45 days.
- Up to two paid mandatory wellness days a year
- Generous paid leave including compassionate and special leave when you need it.
- Municipal Pension Plan (MPP)
- 100% employer paid benefits package from your first day which includes extended health and dental and $1,500 annually for counselling.
- Health and Wellness Spending account that provides up to $1,000 annually to ensure you can focus on the benefits that are important to you and your family. Eligible after successful completion of the six-month probationary period.
- Flexible working options.
- Meal Program on-site at both hospice sites.
- Continuous paid training and development opportunities so everyone has the opportunity to learn new skills and grow.
- Ongoing parental support including top up for maternity and parental leave and paid leave for new grandparents.
YOUR ROLE
The heart of our organization lies in the care and support we all provide to children, families, staff, and volunteers. This role is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
JOB SUMMARY
The primary responsibility of every job at Canuck Place is to provide care and support to children, families, staff, and volunteers in a safe and nurturing environment. This includes positively influencing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all individuals involved with our organization.
As a member of our team, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming environment that fosters trust, inclusivity, and collaboration. You are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and to adhere to our organization's policies, procedures, and values of care at all times.
You can fulfil this overall responsibility as part of the Food Services team. Our meals provide much-needed support and care to families when they need it the most, and to our staff so they can focus on caring for children and families. The kitchen helps to foster a sense of community.
Cooks are responsible for planning, and preparing a variety of home cooked, nurturing meals (according to Foodsafe standards) in collaboration with other food services staff. Other responsibilities include providing an open, warm, and welcoming environment, and interacting positively with families, volunteers, and colleagues.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
This position is primarily focused on providing care and support to children, families, staff, and volunteers, which accounts for the majority of the job. This includes tasks such as providing direction to kitchen volunteers, assisting in planning recreational activities (baking, etc.) to include children and their families. Demonstrating flexibility to ensure families and colleagues are nurtured outside of set mealtimes as needed.
The remainder of your time will be spent utilizing your skills to support the organization’s mission, values and operations, these responsibilities involve:
- Prepare and serve hot meals for 15-50 people.
- Offer a warm and inviting presence and be available to interact and answer questions for families, colleagues and volunteers.
- Follows daily menu plans and adapts, as necessary, to accommodate changes in numbers of persons requiring meals. Plans cooking schedule to minimize time between completion and serving.
- Defrosts and prepares food in advance; cooks and prepares food items (e.g. soups, sauces, salads, fish, poultry, meats, desserts, cookies); prepares food items for freezing.
- Ensures that food is prepared according to preparation guidelines and Foodsafe standards.
- Checks supplies on hand and restocks the kitchen with necessary day-to-day supplies.
- Assigns tasks and provides direction to kitchen volunteers to ensure work is performed in accordance with standards.
- Assists staff, volunteers, and parents with planning of recreational activities (baking, etc.) to include children and their families.
- Supervises and engages the kitchen volunteers and provides direction during volunteer shifts.
- Maintains established rotation of food in storage and use of leftovers to minimize spoil and waste.
- Contributes to menu planning, food presentation, and recipe planning, in consultation with the Food Services Supervisor or the Support Services Assistant Manager.
- Follows cleaning schedule, as required (e.g. cleans counters, sinks, stove, floors, machines, equipment, and storage areas; spot washes walls and splash area; removes garbage).
- Liaises with families, volunteers, and staff to discuss special dietary requirements and allergy alerts.
- Ensure safety practices and procedures are adhered to. Demonstrating exceptional foodsafe and hygiene practices.
- Attends Interdisciplinary Rounds as requested.
- Assumes other related responsibilities, as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of qualification as a cook from a recognized cooking school, supplemented by a minimum of one-year related experience in food preparation and cooking. Food Safe Level 1 certification is required. Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Related experience in a health care facility is preferred.
Please note:
- Evidence of Health Canada approved vaccinations must be provided prior to your first day of work.
- Flexibility is necessary, as this position requires weekend and evening shift work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of qualification as a cook from a recognized cooking school.
- Foodsafe Level 1 certificate is required.
- WHMIS certification is required.
What you bring to the role:
- Knowledge of commonly used kitchen equipment, its use and maintenance.
- Knowledge of cooking procedures and food safe techniques.
- Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to interact positively with individuals at all levels and with varying backgrounds, communication styles and experience.
- Ability to plan and organize work.
- Ability to work with children and families in sensitive situations.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and prepare a variety of nutritious food items that appeal to all ages.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit your cover letter and your resume. This position will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest.
