Cook

Division: Brighton Retirement Living

Reports to: Executive Chef

Location: 291 Main St., Brighton

Status: Casual

Salary/Wage: $21.00/hour

Hours of Work: 0-24 hours per week

Vacancy: Vacancy

Application Deadline: October 20, 2026

Submit to: Apply on BambooHR

Posting #: 12-BRL-2026

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Cook ensures that residents receive meals that are both appealing and appropriate for their individual health needs. The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals in accordance with established menus, dietary requirements, and food safety standards. This role involves food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory control, and assisting in menu planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Food Handling and Preparation

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents in a safe and attractive manner.
• Work within a set budget, limit waste and adhere to residence policies and procedures.
• Review regular and therapeutic menus.
• Set-up equipment and supplies for daily food production.
• Prepare food following standardized recipes.
• Ensure meals are served on time, at appropriate temperatures and in portion-controlled quantities.
• Sample the food prior to each meal to determine palatability.
• Assume responsibility for routine departmental operations in the absence of the Food Services Manager including menu changes, staff replacements, purchase and receive food and supplies, and place service calls for malfunctioning equipment.
• Monitor the quality of food supplies received and the proper operation of kitchen equipment; alert Food Service Manager to problems and make recommendations concerning corrective actions.
• Maintain required records in the absence of the Food Service Manager.
• Clearly and correctly label excess food(s).
• Supervise and direct Dietary Aides during basic food preparation and meal service.

2. Risk Management and General Safety

• Check and record food temperatures daily on a rotational basis for mealtimes as per Health Promotion Act.
• Maintain knowledge of and practice residence’s fire and safety programs.
• Partners with community team to ensure community is in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and promotion of risk management programs and/or policies, adherence to safety rules and regulations.
• Practice safety procedures at all times including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety procedures, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and lockout tagout procedures.
• Reports all accidents and incidents immediately.
• Reports all unsafe and hazardous conditions and/or equipment immediately.
• Complies with all infection control techniques, placement of biohazard containers and removal techniques, procedures and policies.
• Participate in Fire Safety and Mock Disaster procedures.

3. Other

• Works in a safe manner and ensures department operations are carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, associated regulations, Brighton Retirement Living’s policies, procedures, and other associated legislation.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Standing for extended periods of time at oven and food preparation tables – for up to 10hrs/day
• Walking short distances and maneuvering in tight spaces within kitchen environment
• Pulling/pushing/lifting dishracks, food carts, bulk food items, etc., up to 50lbs
• Reaching and lifting food items and kitchen tools from and to upper shelving up to 10lbs – at times with use of an 18inch to 3ft stepping ladder
• Ability to complete repetitive arm motions for periods of up to 1hr while peeling, chopping, and preparing food items
• Working in warm temperatures and over fuel fired appliances for extended periods of time
• Some memory work required when dealing with special dietary restrictions
• Dexterity required to open caps, pull spray triggers, open condiment packages, etc.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

Education

• Culinary diploma or designation preferred.

License, Registration, Training and Clearances

• Completion of certified food handling training through Board of Health or agency.
• Police Record Check (per RHA), including Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
• Valid and unrestricted Class “G” Driver’s License.
• Immunization per Brighton Retirement Living’s policy, if applicable.
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing.

Experience

•  One (1) to two (2) years of experience in food preparation, preferably in a healthcare, senior living or institutional setting.
• Experience using commercial kitchen experience (e.g. ovens, steamers, mixers, etc.).
• Previous employment in a healthcare or hospitality environment considered an asset. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and therapeutic diets.
• Familiar with Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety, and Sanitation Code.
• General understanding of geriatric nutrition, special diets (e.g. low-sodium, diabetic, pureed) and dietary restrictions.
• Proficiency in meal preparation, portion control and plate presentation.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a high-demand environment.
• Basic understanding of food cost and waste reduction.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with dietary aides and kitchen staff.
• Basic computer skills for menu management or inventory software.
• Demonstrated understanding and empathy for the needs of seniors.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to get along with residents, guests, and visitors.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including standing for extended periods of time (up to 10 hours/day), walking and maneuvering tight spaces, pulling/pushing/bending/lifting dishracks and food carts cleaning carts (up to 50lbs.), reaching, repetitive arm motions for long periods, working in warm temperatures for extended periods of time.

A combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the posted position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Consistent with our core values, Legacy Living is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection experience, and work environment. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment process up to the point of undue hardship. If you require accommodations, please contact Human Resources (careers@mistralgroup.ca) to make appropriate arrangements.

Please be advised that Legacy Living may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology at any stage of the hiring process, including screening, evaluating, and selecting qualified candidates.

Legacy Living also frequently audits resumes of internal and external applicants to validate the accuracy and trustworthiness of information provided. Falsification of information at any time throughout the recruitment process may result in disqualification. Internal applicants may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.