JOB TITLE: Cook
Reports to: Executive Director
Work Schedule: Casual/Part-time. Hours will vary, primarily focusing on weekend shifts and holiday coverage, with occasional weekday shifts to provide support in the kitchen.
ABOUT SOUTHERN ALCARE MANOR (SAM)
Established in 1975, Southern Alcare Manor (legally Southern Alcare Society & Industries) is a registered not-for-profit agency located in downtown Lethbridge, Alberta. We operate a 25-bed, long-term residential substance abuse recovery program serving both men and women. SAM provides a safe, stable, and therapeutic living environment for individuals who have a sincere desire to abstain from alcohol and drugs. Our "house" is basically self-contained, providing residents with the structure, life skills, and clinical support necessary to build a foundation for lasting, successful recovery.
Summary of Position
Under the direction of the Executive Director and working in collaboration with the primary kitchen staff, the Cook ensures the seamless continuation of meal services and kitchen operations at Southern Alcare Manor. This position is vital for providing weekend and holiday meal coverage, as well as occasional weekday support, ensuring residents always have access to nutritious, varied, and appealing meals. The Cook will prepare meals according to established menus, maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, and assist with general kitchen operations during their shifts.
Beyond culinary duties, the Cook is a consistent, vital point of contact for residents during their stay. As such, the incumbent must consistently model empathy, respect, and care, contributing to the welcoming and safe atmosphere of the SAM community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
- Facility Standards: Maintain the daily operations, organization, and cleanliness of the kitchen during scheduled shifts, ensuring strict compliance with Alberta Health Services (AHS) food safety and public health standards.
- Equipment Safety: Ensure the safe operation of all commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, slicers, mixers, knives). Monitor and log temperatures for all refrigerators and freezers during shifts, promptly reporting any mechanical deficiencies to the Executive Director and Maintenance.
- Collaboration: Work seamlessly with the primary cook and other staff to ensure consistent kitchen standards, smooth hand-offs between shifts, and effective teamwork during dual-staffed weekday support shifts.
Culinary and Inventory Management
- Meal Preparation: Execute established menu plans to prepare and serve meals on a consistent schedule, ensuring attention to nutrition, portion control, budget, variety, and presentation.
- Dietary Accommodation: Proactively track and accommodate the specific dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions of residents during service.
- Inventory Support: Assist in maintaining accurate inventory logs, monitor stock levels during shifts, and ensure efficient use of ingredients to minimize waste.
Community and Culture
- Resident Engagement: Interact with residents empathetically and respectfully. Model appropriate behavior, demonstrating respect for all individuals and facility standards.
- Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any client information or circumstances learned informally during daily interactions.
- Compliance and Development: Ensure all house rules are followed within the kitchen and dining areas. Participate actively in mandatory staff development, training, and facility meetings as required.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Formal culinary training or equivalent professional kitchen experience is strongly preferred.
- Certifications:
- Valid Alberta Food Safety Certification
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification
- Driving Requirements: Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License and a clean 3-year driver’s abstract are considered an asset.
- Experience: Previous experience working with multicultural, multilingual, or vulnerable populations is highly valuable.
- Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build rapport, navigate conflict, work collaboratively with other staff, and operate self-sufficiently without direct supervision during solo weekend/holiday shifts.
- Background Checks: A clear Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check are required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this commercial kitchen role:
- Ability to regularly walk, stand, stoop, and navigate a fast-paced environment for extended periods.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move inventory and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a commercial kitchen within a residential setting. While the facility itself is active and collaborative, the Cook will frequently operate independently during weekend or holiday shifts, and collaboratively during weekday support shifts. Due to the nature of the facility, the incumbent may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases. The work environment may also occasionally expose the incumbent to unpredictable or volatile behavioral situations requiring de-escalation awareness and adherence to facility safety protocols.
Pay: $25.70 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
