Kitchen Helper On Call Casual

The Salvation Army in Canada; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a Kitchen Helper to assist the Cook in preparing meals in our Port Alberni kitchen. You will help with meal prep, dishwashing, and serving while ensuring food safety and sanitation.

Join a team dedicated to dignity, service and compassion. This role supports a mission-driven kitchen that serves neighbours in need and relies on donor-supplied ingredients and community cooperation.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent, plus culinary training or courses.
• 3+ months of related kitchen experience preferred.
• Willing to undergo background checks and screening as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the cook in meal preparation and serving.
• Wash dishes and clean kitchen surfaces and equipment.
• Receive and stock food and kitchen supplies.
• Follow safety, sanitation and Donor Foods policy.
• Work collaboratively in a busy, donor-supported kitchen.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

Cleaning

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Culinary training

Tools

Industrial dishwasher

Food handling equipment

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.

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.

Job Description

Position Purpose summary: The Kitchen Helper assists the Cook in preparing meals.

Key Accountabilities

• Willingness to work within the mission, vision & values of The Salvation Army.
• Use a client-centered approach by consistently demonstrating compassion, respect and empathy.
• Assist the cook in the preparation of specific food items and with the serving of food.
• Clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment as assigned.
• Wash dishes, saucepans, pots and utensils used in the operation of the kitchen.
• Follow work practices to ensure the efficient delivery of food services.
• Follow policy on the use of donated foods.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Health & Safety

The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate to severe injury or illnesses due to:

• Physical attacks by others
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Exposure to toxic chemicals (e.g. toxic spills)
• Moving objects
• Sharp objects (e.g. needle pricks)
• Electrical hazards
• Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. back, wrist)

Financial And Materials Management

• Assist with receiving and stocking food and kitchen supply orders.
• Minor material responsibilities, e.g., proper use and safekeeping of purchased food and donations.
• Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.

Working Conditions

The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:

• Handle garbage
• Isolation and monotony
• Odours
• Dealing with people with challenging behaviour
• Verbal abuse
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Various weather conditions
• Washrooms (i.e. Human waste - being exposed to and reporting a washroom needing service)

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education And Experience Qualifications

• The successful job applicant will have completed Public School, and/or High School plus culinary education/training courses.

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• More than three months of prior related experience, including life skills, and general familiarity with cleaning and maintenance procedures.
• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check screening.

Skills And Capabilities

• Ability to operate industrial dishwashing equipment
• Moderate to high attention when using motorized equipment, handling hazardous chemicals and Ability to use non-motorized/general cleaning equipment
• Understanding of various dietary needs and restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergen-free, etc.) and ability to prepare meals accordingly.
• Knowledge and application of food safety standards and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members and interact with diverse groups of people.
• Capability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to efficiently manage time to ensure meal preparation, cleaning, and other duties are completed in a timely manner.
• Acute attention to detail is essential for food preparation, cleaning, and safety protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues that may arise during meal preparation or service.
• As the job may involve standing for long periods and lifting heavy kitchen items, good physical stamina is beneficial.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $18.25 to $22.23 with a maximum of $26.20.

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. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.