The Position
Under the supervision of the Supportive Family Housing Program Coordinator, the Food Services Coordinator and Lead Cook will oversee and provide daily food services. This role includes developing and implementing a daily meal program to enhance the food security of participating families. The Coordinator / Lead cook directs, supervises and evaluates the work of kitchen staff / volunteers and ensures that food handling, preparation, storage, serving, cleaning of premises, etc., is completed in accordance with the Food Premises Regulation of the Public Health Act, the Food Safety Act and other relevant regulations.
The Candidate
- Develop and implement a daily meal program to enhance the food security of participating families.
- Ensure that food handling, preparation, storage, serving, cleaning of premises, etc., is completed in accordance with the Food Premises Regulation of the Public Health Act, the Food Safety Act and other relevant regulations.
- Plan daily menus for family dinners and “grab-and-go lunches” that are high-quality, nutritious, sufficient to meet dietary needs, palatable, and culturally based (whenever possible).
- Ensure that the Weekend Cook has a clear direction and that all required supplies are provided for weekend meals.
- Develop and implement a skill-based cooking program to educate parents, children and youth on healthy eating. Actively engage families in meal planning, cooking / cleaning and lunch prep (for the next day).
- Is the lead cook and directs all food handling and meal preparation tasks.
- Plan, budget, purchase groceries, and prepare daily meals while facilitating families' skill development through role-modelling and actively engaging them in hands-on learning.
- Responsible for ordering program groceries and cleaning supplies, including facilitating order pickups as required.
- Maintain health and safety standards within the kitchen, ensuring a daily cleaning and sanitization routine and proper labelling and storage. This includes measures to prevent pest infestations.
- Regularly inspect the kitchen, including all appliances and supplies, ensuring any damage is identified and repaired.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with external resources and services which support the goals of the program.
- Provide supervision and support to families and staff accessing the kitchen, ensuring they know and follow health and safety expectations.
- Promote an environment of safe cooking practices with the ability to respond to emergent circumstances.
- Maintain an inventory of food items, supplies and cleaning supplies.
- Maintain workspaces and participate in the general cleanup of the building daily.
- Ensure that garbage, recycling, and food waste are properly disposed of. This includes locking bins / dumpsters and service fences and making them “bearproofed.”
- Perform other tasks within the scope of the position.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
Proven capacity to effectively plan and implement programming.The ability to work within budgetary parameters and manage the kitchen finances appropriately. Basic mathematical / numeracy skills are required.Ability to foster a safe and supportive atmosphere within the kitchen, acting as a role model for healthy attitudes and positive relationships.Respect for and knowledge of traditional Indigenous healing, culture, traditions, teaching, and ceremonies, with the capacity to integrate them into daily wellness activities.Capacity to manage sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism, confidentiality, and respect.Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally with external agencies and effectively / sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds, including conflict resolution.Analytical skills, sound judgement and decision-making skills are required to assess situations and determine the best possible outcomes.Knowledge of shíshálh culture and community members is an asset.Proficient computer skills : MS Word, Excel, Internet, E-mail.Applicants should have the following training / certification and / or a willingness to acquire the following.
NOTE : Some or all of this training may be provided in the workplace.
Crisis prevention training and / or de-escalation training, non-violent interventionStandard First Aid and CPR. At least one (1) staff member certified in Standard First Aid and the appropriate CPR level training must be on duty at all timesIndigenous awareness trainingMental health first aid trainingDomestic violence safety planningSubstance use awareness and safety training, including naloxone trainingLGBT2Q+ awareness trainingTrauma-informed practice training. Staff self-care trainingBC Housing Database trainingMinimum Experience
FOODSAFE Level 1 is required.FOODSAFE Level 2 must be obtained within the first year of employment.A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a kitchen environment.A post-secondary degree in the Food Services Industry is preferred.Strong ability to work under minimal supervision and act with a high degree of independent judgment, taking action on a variety of matters as required.Physical and Mental Demands :
Physical strength and stamina are required, as this role involves standing for long periods of time, lifting, and carrying kitchen equipment, food, and supplies.The kitchen and programming facilities may be loud.