Assistant Cook - Casual

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Position Summary
Reporting to either the Food Services Manager or Support Services Manager, the Assistant Cook is responsible for assisting in the daily preparation of food and ingredients for service.

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 cold foods using a variety of methods and procedures 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.
• Supports 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 temperature of coolers, freezers and prepared food to ensure 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.
• Ensures a safe and sanitary environment for team members and residents through adherence to organizational standards and protocols.
• Reads and understands relevant dietary, clinical and recreational communications.
• 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 new team members through their orientation process.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 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