Lead Prep Cook, MLSE LaunchPad

Job Description

You will be working on an energetic and dynamic Nutrition Hub Team that provides healthy food for youth members. As Lead Prep Cook, you’ll prepare, deliver, and lead the cleanup for a nutritious, well-rounded inclusive snack menu that addresses the varied dietary and cultural needs of our members.

You will also support our Nutrition Coordinator in facilitating fun, engaging nutrition curriculum for youth aged 6-29. If you have experience working in restaurant kitchens, community food programs, and / or community meal services, and are excited about delivering food and snacks for youth and supporting the running of a community kitchen, we think you’ll enjoy the Lead Prep Cook role.

What you’ll be doing :

1. To provide a healthy, nutritious snack and culinary skills support for youth participating in programs :

• Prepare and serve a high-quality, afterschool snack for members aged 6 to 18.
• Maintain food inventory and manage portion control for up to 100 members and their families.
• Provide nutritious, culturally diverse, and whole foods to meet various food needs of our members.
• Provide orientation, mentorship, hands-on support, and strengths-based feedback to youth and junior staff in kitchen programs to encourage learning and growth while maintaining health and safety.
• Effectively communicate and interact positively with youth, guests, partner program staff, MLSE LaunchPad staff and volunteers.

2. To liaise with MLSE LaunchPad staff, volunteers and partner programs :

• Ensure the program runs smoothly and fits into already established routines.
• Work with partner programs to ensure the space is shared in a collaborative manner.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource in kitchen procedures to staff, participants, and partner organizations.
• Effectively delegate to volunteers and provide constructive feedback regarding volunteer engagement in the program while maintaining health and safety.

3. To maintain health and safety of the Nutrition Hub :

Manage daily cleaning routine including dishes, counters, equipment and appliances, sweeping the floor, and removing garbage.

Ensure equipment is cleaned, sanitized and ready for use the next day.

• Maintain a high standard of recordkeeping regarding sanitation, temperatures, and health and safety.
• Provide input to the Nutrition Hub Coordinator, Manager of Engagement, or Joint Health and Safety Committee regarding safety equipment requirements and equipment operation.
• Maintain good safety practices using a preventative approach including proper signage where applicable.
• Make recommendations for improvement to strengthen and improve Nutrition Hub program offerings and support the evaluation of the program.
• Handle emergency situations safely and in accordance with policies.

4. Administration

• Participate in all required staff orientations, training, and / or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled / required.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including occasionally supporting events and programs as required by the Nutrition Hub Coordinator.

Please note : This is an hourly role of 30-32 hours / week. Morning and evening shift availability required, between Mondays to Fridays.

Qualifications

• 1+ years supervising staff, interns and / or volunteers in a kitchen or nutrition-based setting, focused on food preparation, cooking, and service.
• Familiarity with preparing, cooking, and serving foods, including following recipes, managing food storage, sanitization, and cleaning.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, move products, equipment and supplies (e.g. food trays, dishes, pots, pans, serving tables, etc.).
• Positive demeanor, calm under pressure, and high energy.
• Availability to work evening hours to support our afterschool and evening programs.

Extra things that can support your application :

• Knowledge of food justice, and sensitivity to the impact of social, economic, environmental, and cultural issues in local food systems.
• Experience delivering educational programming to youth aged 6 to 18, with group facilitation, or other experience working with children and youth.
• Food Handlers Certificate and Standard First Aid & CPR certification, or willing to obtain these certifications.
• Academic and / or work experience in nutrition or dietetics, food and hospitality, or in a social services or community setting.
• You speak a second language.

Along with your resume, please include a brief cover letter (1-2 paragraphs) outlining your motivation and interest in the role.