Soup Kitchen Assistant Supervisor

The Salvation Army in Canada; Parksville; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Parksville is seeking a Soup Kitchen Assistant Supervisor to manage food services operations. This role involves overseeing food preparation, sourcing donations, and coordinating volunteers. The ideal candidate will have experience in food preparation, supervision, and a commitment to safety standards. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Support and understand The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Compliance with OH&S laws and safety policies.
• Background checks and vulnerability screening required.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate food services operations for ministry units.
• Source food donations and manage relationships.
• Oversee food preparation and maintain safety standards.
• Train and manage volunteers for meal programs.

Skills

Food preparation experience

Supervision skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent experience

Food Safe Level 1 certification

First Aid Level 1

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

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 worldwide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. 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 Soup Kitchen Assistant Supervisor coordinates food services operations for a ministry unit, ensuring compliance with the Canada Food Guide and health regulations. Responsibilities include sourcing food via donations and purchases, coordinating food preparation and delivery to clients, managing volunteers, and performing cooking duties. Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment and food safety standards is required.

Accountabilities

• Source food donations from other Salvation Army facilities, local businesses, and agencies.
• Build and maintain relationships to solicit donations and negotiate pricing.
• Explain the feeding program and handle public relations for guests and visitors.
• Adapt work practices to ensure efficient food service delivery.
• Create and maintain menus, and order food and supplies as needed.
• Maintain documentation related to menus, safety logs, donations, and scheduling.
• Oversee food preparation to ensure standards are met.
• Prepare meals and perform volunteer duties, especially during shortages.
• Use food creatively to minimize wastage, including donations.
• Ensure cleanliness of the kitchen area and compliance with food safety standards.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate food service personnel and volunteers, ensuring safety compliance.
• Coordinate volunteer teams for meal programs.
• Engage with clients during meal times to ensure a welcoming environment and address needs.
• Report incidents to supervisors.
• Refer clients to other services as needed and assist distressed clients.
• Manage cash and gift card purchases in accordance with policies.
• Purchase food from stores when necessary.
• Organize entertainment, special meals, and programs.
• Handle communications via email regarding rentals, bookings, vendors, and online orders.
• Monitor maintenance and recommend repairs.
• Order and monitor food and kitchen supplies, ensuring security of supplies and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationship Management

Maintain a conflict-free environment among employees, volunteers, and clients. Contact authorities if needed. Internal contacts include MU Leader, Community Ministries Director, volunteers, and staff. External contacts include clients, agencies, suppliers, and community members.

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities

Report to the Soup Kitchen Supervisor or Community Ministries Director. Supervise volunteers and may act as a team lead.

Financial, Material, and Human Resource Management

• Minimize food and material costs through proper stewardship.
• Ensure safety and proper use of equipment.
• Care for supplies and food received.
• Contribute to departmental budgets.
• Handle small cash amounts if authorized.
• Supervise up to 7 volunteers, providing guidance and discipline as needed.

All responsibilities must align with The Salvation Army’s mission and code of conduct.

Working Conditions

• Work mainly in a soup kitchen within a church building, with conditions including dealing with angry people, verbal abuse, hot environments, noise, and crowding.
• Require standing, lifting up to 30 pounds, and walking.
• Follow safety procedures to prevent injury.
• May be exposed to chemicals, moving objects, and other hazards.

All duties should be performed professionally, upholding the organization’s values.

Qualifications

• Support and understanding of The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Compliance with OH&S laws and safety policies.
• Post-secondary education (one year) or equivalent experience, with consideration for alternative qualifications.
• Food Safe Level 1 certification; Level 2 is an asset.
• First Aid Level 1; WHMIS and Universal Precautions training.
• Experience in food prep, supervision, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and food safety.
• Fluent in English, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and clean record preferred.
• Background checks and vulnerability screening required.
• Physical ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude.

Compensation

The salary range is $21.83 to $27.29, with a maximum of $32.75, based on experience and qualifications. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request via [e-mail].