Relief Cook and Food Coordinator- Job Posting

Relief Cook and Food Coordinator

Part-Time | Casual |Varied Hours

JOB SUMMARY:

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the Relief Cook and Food Coordinator contributes the overall recovery and well-being of shelter residents, supporting them to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment. The Relief Cook and Food Coordinator is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing all food-related operations within the shelter. This role involves ensuring that residents receive nutritious meals and snacks, fostering and promoting food security and healthy eating habits among residents. The Relief Cook and Food Coordinator incorporates anti-racist and anti-oppression, harm-reduction and trauma-informed principles to address both the client’s physical and emotional needs, prioritizing safety, respect, and empowerment, while considering the unique challenges faced by them, including trauma, loss of control, and potentially complex relationships with food. The Relief Cook and Food Coordinator also supports the capacity building needs of the WHE community and coordinates workshops related to food as a skill building and economic sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Resident Support

Conduct food related intake and assessments to obtain information about the dietary, nutrition and health-related needs of each resident, including allergy or food restriction information.
Provide information to new and existing shelter residents about shelter food program and external food resources (i.e. shelter food menu, meal schedules, food banks, groceries stores, etc.).
Collaborate with colleagues in the identification, development and implementation of food related support to attend to the unique needs of shelter residents and their dependent residents (i.e. nutritional needs for babies and children).
Conduct kitchen, cooking equipment and food pantry orientation to clients. • In collaboration with Trauma Counselors, supports residents with any food related concerns that may result from the trauma they experienced.

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

In consultation and collaboration with residents, develop and implement weekly meal plans that meet their nutritional and health related needs, dietary and cultural restrictions and preferences.
Plans and cooks well-balanced meals for lunch and dinner ensuring all food is prepared safely and in accordance with health regulations.
Offer meals at consistent times to create a sense of predictability and routine and support residents to regain a sense of control over their environment.
Wear/use appropriate safety equipment when carrying out responsibilities
Wash dishes, pots, pans and other equipment used to prepare meals
Clean and maintain food storage space fridge and freezers
Maintain kitchen and dining space according to Toronto Public Health regulations

Food Inventory and Management

Manage food inventory, including ordering, receiving, and storing food supplies.
Monitor food safety and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with Toronto Public Health regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Volunteer Supervision

Welcome, orient and supervise volunteers assisting with meal preparation and distribution.
Foster a collaborative environment among volunteers to ensure smooth operations

Inter-Departmental Collaboration

Collaborate with the Philanthropy department to secure food donations and resources.
Support the establishment of external partnerships to enhance the shelter’s food programs and expand support services.

Budget Management

Assist in developing and managing the food program budget, ensuring costeffective practices.
Track food expenditures and report on food program effectiveness and needs.
Create opportunities for residents to participate in meal planning, cooking, or community food activities to foster a sense of connection and reduce isolation.
Create a welcoming eating space and atmosphere that encourages community and connection among residents
Seek ongoing client feedback to ensure that the residents’ food and nutritional needs are being met.
Create opportunities for communal meals where residents can come together in a safe, supportive environment. These meals can help foster a sense of connection and reduce isolation, which is common among trauma survivors.
Organize special events leveraging existing celebrations (Christmas, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, International Women’s Day and other celebrations identified by residents) and creating opportunities for other themed events (i.e. soul food, taste of home, etc.)
Collaborate with colleagues in the organizing and celebrating the residents’ birthdays when appropriate.

Administrative and Planning

Participate in the Health and Safety Committee
Maintain and update current list of food allergies for both clients and staff (with support from HR)
Participate in supervision and staff meetings as scheduled
Attend staff meetings and case management meetings as scheduled
Complete an annual self-evaluation form as part of the organizational performance management process
Responsible for other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Physical requirements may include lifting and carrying food supplies (up to 20lbs) and standing for extended periods.
Standing for long periods of time.
Exposure to crisis environment due to the nature of services provided to survivors of gender-based violence.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent; culinary or nutrition-related education preferred.
Minimum 2 years experience in cooking, food service management, nutrition, or related fields, particularly in a social services or non-profit setting.
Must have a Food Handler Certificate
Working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act
Strong organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work compassionately with diverse populations.
Strong knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and food safety practices.
Knowledge and experience cooking diverse food.
Experience with planning, ordering food and food budgeting

Knowledge of the issues of gender-based violence, trauma and its impact.
Ability to problem solve and adapt to a changing client needs
Ability to respect and promote an inclusive work environment to uphold the Culture of Wellness
Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Ability to work equitably and collaboratively with cultural, racial, economic and socially diverse communities.

Ensure appropriate notification of child abuse as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
Adhere to and abide by Women’s Habitat’s harm reduction philosophy.
Ability to conduct trauma-informed work when dealing with agency clients.
Understand and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code at all times and in all aspects of work.
Understand and implement anti-oppression and equity principles in all aspects of work.
Ability to respond to a crisis in ways appropriate to one’s role at Women’s Habitat.
Demonstrate willingness and the necessary skills to attend to conflict and tension with colleagues and non-client stakeholders.
Engage in constructive communication with peers, staff, clients, volunteers and other stakeholders, share information in an appropriate and timely manner and adhere to the agency’s confidentiality agreement.
Ability to critically examine how you carry out your role and takes responsibility for the impact of your behaviours on others.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in order to ensure the delivery of high quality service.
Has the ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective team to best meet the evolving needs of clients and advocate on their behalf.
Build strong working relationships and communication with colleagues, the management team and other stakeholders to ensure optimal efficiency and fulfillment of Women’s Habitat’s mandate.
Ensure timely, accurate and effective communication with regards to Women’s Habitat and/or program specific policies and procedures.
Able to manage competing and conflicting priorities effectively and efficiently.
Flexible and open to learning new concepts.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
First Aid CPR/AED certification is required
Valid Vulnerable Sector Check is required

Ready to Apply?

Apply now and join us to make a difference in our community.

Need help?

HR Manager

hr@womens-habitat.ca

Women’s Habitat Hours

Monday – Friday

9:00am-5:00pm

Women’s Habitat is unionized through CUPE Local 3877 and this position is within the bargaining unit.

Hourly Wage: Starting at $20.15/hr increasing to $20.96 after completion of the probationary period + 6% vacation pay + 4% pay in lieu of benefits.

Accommodation: Should you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process we will be happy to accommodate as best we can. Please let us know by emailing: hr@womens-habitat.ca

Artificial Intelligence: AI is not used in any part of the recruitment and selection process