Kitchen Facilitator

Alliance for Healthier Communities; Toronto; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

South Riverdale Community Health Centre is seeking a Kitchen Facilitator to lead cooking programs and ensure safe, nutritious meals for diverse community groups in East Toronto. You will plan menus with dietitians, manage kitchens, and support volunteers while fostering an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities include budgeting, inventory, and coordinating meals for programs, with a focus on health promotion and community engagement in a non-profit setting.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline, or the equivalent in experience.
• Certification as food handler trainer an asset.
• Experience in kitchen operations and community kitchen facilitation.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience cooking meals for groups of 10-150 people.
• Familiarity with SRCHC catchment area.
• Ability to speak a language relevant to the community is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement meals for programs of targeted participant groups
• Coordinate community meals
• Develop rotating menu plans in consultation with dietitians and staff for program and group requirements
• Ensure program food is prepared and organized to meet program needs and assist with clean-up as required
• Contribute to seasonal and special events
• Manage the food and grocery budget for programs
• Track and report expenses related to food and grocery purchases
• Source and purchase food and groceries for programs, services and events; ensure economical purchasing of supplies
• Conduct routine inventory to ensure required items are in stock
• Identify, recruit, organize training, and provide supervision for volunteers

Skills

Cooking

Nutrition knowledge

Group facilitation

Community building

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent

Food handler certification (asset)

Job description

Is Artificial Intelligence used for screening or assessment of candidates Yes No

South Riverdale Community Health Centre is a non-profit, multi-service organization that provides primary healthcare, social and community outreach services with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention primarily to people of East Toronto. Our mission is to improve the lives of people that face barriers to physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being. We do so by meaningfully engaging our clients and communities, ensuring equitable access to primary health care and delivering quality care through a range of evidence informed programs, services and approaches. As a leader in community health, our locally and internationally recognized community services include cutting-edge primary health services, health promotion, harm reduction, environmental health, community food center and population-based community programs for marginalized peoples. We value health equity and inclusion and respect in our work and in the delivery of our services.

The Kitchen Facilitator delivers food programs and services and works closely with staff to ensure the kitchen, equipment and inventory are accessible and available and maintains appropriate health and safety measures. The position will possess strong skills and knowledge in cooking and nutrition, experience facilitating diverse groups, and a desire to use food as a way to build community.

This position is expected to work onsite.

Responsibilities:

Programming and Food Preparation:

• Plan and implement meals for programs of targeted participant groups
• Occasional opportunities to facilitate groups (e.g. staff orientation, staff safe food handler’s training, safe knife skills, etc.), building a safe and inclusive space for participants
• Coordinate community meals
• Develop rotating menu plans in consultation with dietitians and staff for program and group requirements
• Ensure program food is prepared and organized to meet program needs and assist with clean-up as required
• Contribute to seasonal and special events

Facilities and Equipment:

• Ensure kitchen and equipment are kept clean following appropriate infection control and food handling procedures as per Toronto Public Health guidelines
• Ensure kitchen equipment and items are organized and stored safely in designated areas and function effectively and safely
• Conduct daily monitoring of fridge and freezer temperatures
• Inform manager of equipment malfunctions or safety hazards
• Cooperate with staff to ensure program areas (kitchen, serving areas) are available for use and maintained to a high standard of safety and cleanliness

Administration:

• Manage the food and grocery budget for programs
• Track and report expenses related to food and grocery purchases
• Ensure low-cost, seasonal meal planning in consultation with program staff
• Source and purchase food and groceries for programs, services and events; ensure economical purchasing of supplies, e.g. bulk purchasing
• Conduct routine inventory to ensure required items are in stock
• Identify, recruit, organize training, and provide supervision for volunteers
• Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline, or the equivalent in experience
• Certification as food handler trainer an asset
• Experience in kitchen operations
• Experience in community kitchen facilitation
• Experience cooking meals for groups of 10-150 people
• Knowledge of nutrition and healthy cooking to meet the needs of communities served
• Demonstrated leadership skills, especially in a volunteer/community development context
• Demonstrated respect for diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility with the ability to work collaboratively and positively with others
• Knowledge of food access and food security issues
• Ability to work within a budget
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and be very effective in a team environment
• Strong creative problem-solving skills
• Experience and interest in working with vulnerable populations, newcomer communities, low income, and people who use drugs
• Familiarity with SRCHC catchment area
• Ability to speak a language relevant to the community is an asset
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications
• Ability to work flexible hours and weekends
• Police clearance documentation will be required for employment
• Proof of double COVID-19 vaccination status will be required for employment

This is a bargaining unit position with CUPE Local 5399.

No faxes, phone calls, or requests to meet please.

SRCHC welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process

SRCHC is an equal opportunity employer.We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SRCHC encourages applicants who are Black, Indigenous and Racialized and/or applicants who face any barriers as a result of systemic discrimination to apply for this position.

SRCHC encourages a scent-free environment. Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.