Job Description

The Meadows Home for Special Care - Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

The Meadows Home for Special Care in Yarmouth, NS, is a non-profit organization that has been operating as a provincially licensed long-term care facility since 1974. We are committed to enriching lives every day by honoring dignity, fostering independence, and supporting a life worth living. Join our compassionate team and be part of a home where residents truly feel at home.


This position works under the direction of the Food Service Supervisor and Administrative Dietitian. The Cook is responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals for residents in accordance with the Mission, Standards, Policies, and Procedures of The Meadows. Duties include food preparation, portioning, menu execution, cleaning, and maintaining strict food safety standards. This position may require mask use throughout the shift.

KEY RESULT AREAS

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1. Daily Food Preparation & Service

Provide input to the Food Service Supervisor and Administrative Dietitian regarding seasonal and monthly menu planning. Assist in developing daily menus that are appetizing, nutritionally balanced, and cost-effective, following the standards outlined in Canada's Food Guide. Consult regularly with the Food Service Supervisor and Administrative Dietitian about food, menu concerns, and related issues. Prepare breakfast (e.g., eggs, muffins), dinner, and supper following standardized recipes to ensure consistency. Oversee the daily food production process ensuring meals are prepared safely and on time. Portion food items and guide Food Service Workers assisting with portioning. Clean dishes, equipment, and work areas used during food preparation following health and safety requirements. Ensure all food safety standards are met in both food production and cleaning. Monitor and record temperatures for walk-in freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and food items as per guidelines. Respond to periodic household requests for specific resident food items and consult with the Administrative Dietitian when needed.
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2. Kitchen Operations

Consult with the Food Service Supervisor regarding ordering food items and supplies; ensure adequate stock levels while remaining within budget. Adjust inventory and recipes as needed to accommodate seasonal menu changes. Complete inventory checks for food and supplies, documenting discrepancies and signing off on checklists for review. Perform daily and scheduled deep-cleaning tasks in the Central Kitchen (floors, ovens, walk-in freezer, fridges, dishwasher, etc.). Guide Food Service Workers assisting with kitchen cleaning activities. Ensure food safety practices are consistently followed and report issues to the Food Service Supervisor or Administrative Dietitian. Receive and store food items and supplies safely and promptly. Refer all maintenance or repair concerns to the Food Service Supervisor. Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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High School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent combination of education and experience. Journeyman Cook Certification

an asset

. Minimum

1 year of current cooking experience

required. Experience in long-term care or hospital environment

preferred

. Food Handlers Certificate completed within the past 5 years. Strong understanding of sanitation, safety procedures, and major kitchen equipment. Ability to relate well to elderly residents and demonstrate sensitivity to their holistic needs. Strong communication skills; able to follow written and verbal instructions effectively. Team-oriented with sound judgment, initiative, and strong organizational skills. Physically able to perform moderate to heavy lifting and tolerate walking/standing for most of the shift. Must be able to work with cleaning chemicals; those with related allergies may not be suitable. Experience with Cook/Chill food preparation systems

strongly preferred

. Reliable attendance and availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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As a valued employee of The Meadows, the Cook actively supports efforts to reduce the three plagues of nursing home life--

Helplessness, Loneliness, and Boredom

--by:

Encouraging opportunities for residents to both give and receive care. Promoting companionship and meaningful interaction with residents. Supporting an environment that encourages spontaneity and variety.

Additional general responsibilities include:

Protecting personal health and the health of others through safe work practices. Following all requirements under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act. Maintaining good attendance and flexibility for non-standard hours. * Contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.