First Cook - Permanent Full Time Days - Halifax Campus in Cowes

Make an Impact. Be Inspired. Join Northwood! Are you looking for a career where you can make a real impact? At Northwood, care is at the heart of everything we do—but we’re also about community, innovation, and creating meaningful connections. As Atlantic Canada’s largest not-for-profit continuing care organization, we are a dynamic team of change makers, problem-solvers, and compassionate professionals who believe in the power of connection.

When you join Northwood, you become part of a forward-thinking, inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly matters. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a meaningful next step, you’ll find a place to thrive here. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Red Seal Journeyman’s Certificate Required
• Basic Food Safety Certificate Required
• Three to five years of relevant work experience
• Food service experience required
• Recipe development experience required
• Baking experience
• Experience in bulk cooking preferably in decentralized food operation considered an asset
• Management position in a food service industry considered an asset
• Advanced Food Safety Certification considered an asset
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs at a time, in good general health and able to endure the day-to-day pressure of the position

Knowledge of the following:

• Emergency Protocols
• Risk Management Procedures
• Crisis Intervention Methods (Cook/Chill/Freeze/reheating/serving - production system)

Possess the following skills:

• Effective Communication
• Organization
• Problem Solving
• Active Listening
• Time Management
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Operation Monitoring

Must maintain regular and consistent attendance in accordance with Northwood Standard.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares quality food products to be served to residents, internal and external clients; special functions and occasions; and ancillary meal services according to established standards of Public Health and Food safety protocols
• Participates and has input in menu and recipe development
• Follows standardized recipes and established house menus
• Follows HACCP principles and sanitation SOPs from meal preparation to meal service ensuring clients’ safety and optimum nutrition and presentation
• Follows special dietary instructions and interventions from the dietician/supervisor to prepare modified textured meals
• Performs established procedures for stock control, cooked/uncooked food packaging and rotation using HACCP principles
• Ensures safe and appropriate storage and preparation of all food supplies using HACCP principles
• Maintains a high level personal hygiene and sanitation in the work area
• Responds to and accommodates requests from residents’, internal/external clients regarding food service/production
• Performs proper operation, safety, cleaning and sanitation procedures with all equipment and also in work area
• Assists with and performs other related duties as may be requested
• Tests all foods to be served to the residents for taste, texture and temperature before meal services and initiates corrective action and follow up as appropriate
• Performs physical inventory and place orders as needed
• Stores, allocates and ensures effective use of chemicals, materials, small wares, foods and equipment to maintain operational needs

Hours of Work: 80 hours Bi-weekly (8 hour shifts)

Salary: As per Northwood Scale

Effective: Immediately

To learn more about Northwood please visit our website www.northwood.care

Northwood is proud to be an inclusive employer who encourages diverse applicants. We thank all applicants however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.