Kitchen Help (Part-time)

Kemp Care Network; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemp Care Network is seeking a Kitchen Helper to support the dining operations for residents during evening shifts. You will assist with meal service, basic food preparation, and end-of-day cleaning while ensuring a clean, sanitary kitchen and adherence to IPAC and public health standards.

You will work with volunteers to deliver high-quality food service, while following safety procedures, logging activities, and maintaining organization in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in food service, healthcare, hospitality, or a commercial kitchen is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, safe food handling, and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Represent Kemp Care Network professionally at all times.
• Attend and participate in required organizational and department meetings.
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Carry out work in accordance with occupational health and safety policies.
• Identify and report safety hazards to the Kitchen Supervisor.
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and safe work environment.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

Skills

Compassionate attitude

Team player

Organized

IPAC awareness

Food safety mindset

Effective communicator

Job description

• Location: 277 Stone Church Rd. E, Hamilton, ON
• Employment Type: Union – Bargaining Unit
• Pay Band: As per collective agreement

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kitchen Help supports the daily operation of the kitchen during evening shifts by serving dinner, assisting with food preparation and meal service, and preparing food items for the following day’s service. The role is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment, completing end-of-day cleaning and closing duties, and ensuring compliance with food safety, infection prevention and control (IPAC), and organizational standards. The Kitchen Help works collaboratively with volunteers to support the delivery of safe, high‑quality food service for residents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in food service, healthcare, hospitality, or a commercial kitchen is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, safe food handling, and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates a compassionate, approachable, and resident‑focused attitude while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions.
• Works effectively as part of a team and follows direction while supporting a positive and respectful work environment.
• Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Uses sound judgment and attention to detail to complete tasks safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices.
• Communicates effectively with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and leadership.
• Demonstrates flexibility, reliability, and a willingness to assist with a variety of kitchen duties as operational needs require.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Current Food Handler Certification (mandatory).
• Current WHMIS certification.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Responsibilities

• Represent Kemp Care Network professionally at all times, including when using social media.
• Attend and participate in required organizational and departmental meetings.
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Carry out all work in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Identify and promptly report safety hazards, incidents, equipment concerns, and other workplace risks to the Kitchen Supervisor.
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and safe work environment.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

Kitchen Duties

• Comply with all Public Health, food safety, infection prevention and control (IPAC), and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Serve evening meals and assist with final meal preparation as required.
• Prepare food items and complete basic food preparation for the following day’s service.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the kitchen, including appliances, equipment, work surfaces, utensils, dishes, and storage areas.
• Wash pots, pans, trays, dishes, and kitchen equipment using approved cleaning and sanitation procedures.
• Follow safe food handling, storage, labelling, covering, and disposal practices.
• Ensure food is stored safely and maintained at appropriate temperatures in accordance with Public Health requirements.
• Stock and organize kitchen supplies, preparation areas, and equipment to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Transport supplies and equipment between storage and work areas as required.
• Remove and dispose of waste and recycling in accordance with organizational and Public Health requirements.
• Complete end‑of‑day kitchen cleaning and closing duties in accordance with Public Health and sanitation standards.
• Report equipment malfunctions, maintenance concerns, and supply shortages to the Kitchen Supervisor in a timely manner.

Other duties

Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Kitchen Help position is scheduled in accordance with operational requirements, employee availability, expressed interest, and seniority, as applicable under the Collective Agreement.

Shift Schedule

The shift schedule outlined below is preliminary and will be reviewed and finalized following the successful recruitment of the full‑time Kitchen Supervisor position.

Preliminary Shift Schedule

• Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (5 shifts)
• Friday and Saturday: (4 shifts)
• 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Additional shifts may be available or required to support operational needs, staff absences, vacation coverage, or special events.
• Work is performed in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities and changing operational demands.
• Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lb (23 kg).
• Exposure to heat, cold, commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and other typical kitchen conditions is expected.

Who We Are

Kemp Care Network (KCN) is more than just an organization; it’s a compassionate community dedicated to serving the emotional, physical and social needs of individuals living with a serious illness, facing their last chapter or grieving a death.

Our History

Thirty years ago, Dr. Bob Kemp recognized an opportunity to redefine how palliative care was offered in the Greater Hamilton Area. Foremost, a founding value was to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. And it all started with a generous donation of land by Iris Berryman.

Mission/Vision

Mission

To care for every individual and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and attention to their physical, social and psychological well‑being during times of serious, life‑limiting illness and loss. We lead, collaborate and drive meaningful improvements to palliative care services with partners across our community.

Vision

To establish KCN as a world‑class leader in regional palliative‑care in alignment with our founding values while evolving to best serve our community.

Values

• Dignity: We focus on quality of living and ensuring the experience of our residents and their families is based in dignity and respect.
• Compassion: Our care for residents and their families is based in compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Collaboration: We actively build relationships and work with partners and our community as part of a continuum of care.
• Inclusivity: We welcome diversity in our residents and deliver care in an inclusive manner that considers their unique needs.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to a high quality of care and strive to continually improve and contribute to the advancement of our field.

EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

KCN is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment according to the protected grounds established under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will work to ensure that our employees (workers) are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment, and human rights legislation. KCN provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The organization ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence. Accommodations are available on request.