Kitchen Helper

The Salvation Army International; Cranbrook; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation and sick time

RRSPs

Job summary

The Salvation Army invites applications for a Kitchen Helper to support food service in our Canadian operations. The role focuses on cleaning, assisting in meal preparation, and serving guests, following Canada’s Food Guide and Food Safe practices.

You will assist in the kitchen and dining hall, monitor temperatures, help with inventory, and participate in training. This is a hands-on role in a community kitchen, reflecting dignity and respect for everyone served.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and clear communication with staff and guests.
• Understanding of Food Safe practices and basic kitchen hygiene.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and serving of meals following Canada’s Food Guide.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.
• Record temperatures and monitor food safety protocols.
• Help with inventory, labeling, dating, and stock rotation.
• Support training and participate in safety procedures.

Skills

Fluent in English

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Post-secondary/college program (1 year)

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.

As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Position Purpose Summary

The Kitchen Helper serves in the kitchen and dining hall to ensure cleanliness, and aid in the serving and preparing of meals for The Salvation Army guests.

Accountabilities

Food Preparation

• Aids in the preparation and serving of nutritious meals for guests following Canada’s Food Guide.


• Ensures Food‑Safe practices are always followed in food preparation and service.


• May aid a wide range of cookery methods to produce a range of menu items, including boil, blanch, simmer, poach, steam, stew, braise, roast, bake, grill and shallow fry.


• Ensures inventory and stock is updated and rotated appropriately.


• Checks and records the temperature of food items and takes into consideration the amount of time they have been in the danger zone.


• Ensures items stored in the refrigerator and freezers are labelled, dated, covered properly and placed on the appropriate shelf.


• Takes the temperature of prepared foods before service and records the same.


• May assist with recording monthly and quarterly statistics for meal numbers.


• Participates in scheduled job‑related training as required.

Health & Safety

• May clean all food preparation devices ensuring they are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness using the appropriate cleaning products.


• Completes daily temperature audits for fridge and freezer and record at the beginning and end of shift on the daily audit form.


• Reports any problems and work in concert with the Community Family Services Supervisor and Cook.


• Ensures that proper safety precautions and hygiene standards are followed, including Universal Precautions.


• Ensures the kitchen, food storage, and fridge/freezer are kept clean and organized at all times.


• Ensures high sanitation and cleanliness standards are maintained throughout the kitchen, dining room and food storage areas, including removing kitchen & dining room waste.


• May be required to wear a full and clean uniform when provided, along with hair precautions, when on duty.


• May be required to ensure that the building is secure and that safety standards are always met or exceeded.


• Ensures proper lifting, twisting & reaching techniques are used during job performance.


• Demonstrates a high standard of personal hygiene.


• Participates in monthly workplace inspections.

Communication

Communicates clearly with other staff members and/or volunteers regarding food service & food safety in a positive and encouraging manner as they assist in providing service to guests.

Always treats guests and other staff with respect and dignity.

Performs other position‑related duties as required.

Financial and Materials Management

Minor material responsibility (proper storage and use of food and equipment).

Working Conditions

The Incumbent’s work environment is typically in a kitchen, dining, and storage areas. The following disagreeable work conditions may exist:

• Dirt/Dust/Temperature variations


• Cramped workstation


• Work‑related stress


• Angry and abusive people


• Verbal abuse


• Noisy


• Hot/Steamy environment


• Pressure with timelines


• Cuts & Burns

The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of minor harm, injury or illnesses due to:

• Physical attacks by others (i.e. violent/aggressive guests)


• Exposure to infectious diseases


• Hot/steamy conditions


• Emergency response situations (fire, bomb threat, etc.)


• Other potentially dangerous situations


• Exposure to toxic chemicals
  
• Moving objects


• Electrical hazards


• Risk of back strain


• Falling on wet/slippery floors


• Cuts or burns

Precautionary Measures

• Universal Precautions.


• Adherence to Food Safe practices as prescribed and outlined in Food Safe Levels 1 and 2 training.


• Use gloves provided when necessary.


• Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis and flu are suggested.


• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention training is suggested.

Required Training & Safety

The performance of the job requires a small amount of computer work, lifting/moving equipment, may assist with loading/unloading trucks (groceries), a frequent amount of standing, cutting, chopping, carrying supplies and walking.

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, will be required to provide:

• RCMP Criminal record check


• A clear vulnerable sector screening


• A clean driver’s abstract


• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Completion of a formal post‑secondary/college program of one academic year.


• Food Safe Level 1 or 2 will be considered as an asset.


• Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certification.


• WHMIS Training & Universal Precautions Training.


• Online New Hire Health and Safety Courses.


• Other training as required by contract or The Salvation Army.


• Note: an alternative level of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Capabilities

• Willingness to adhere to the Mission, Vision, and Values of The Salvation Army.


• Fluent in spoken and written English.


• Excellent team and interpersonal skills.


• Able to handle physical demands, which include lifting/carrying items up to 30 pounds.


• Has the ability to stand for extended periods of time.


• Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis are suggested.


• Performance of the job requires attentive listening (empathy to guests/volunteers/co‑workers) and the ability to give directions.


• Requires frequent attention to the preparation of food, reading recipes, adhering to safety procedures and regulations and keeping track of what supplies are needed before running out.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $18.25 to $21.04 with a maximum of $23.82. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request.

Benefits

• Flexibility at work


• Health and dental benefits


• Paid vacation and sick time


• RRSP’s


• Opportunities to expand skills and advance careers as we build a culture of continuous learning and growth

Company Culture

Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front‑lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose‑driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service. We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work.

Why Join Us

We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth.

There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.