Shelter Cook - Jobs in Toronto, ON

Job Description

ABOUT USKennedy House (KH) is a not-for-profit organization with a long-standing dedication to providing exceptional personalized care for youth in the Greater Toronto Area for over 50 years. KH started with an initial family-like group home in 1971 and currently operates several residential and community-based programs, for marginalized and at-risk youth, including:

• One residential program for adolescents in care;
• Three residential programs for youth and young adults living with developmental disabilities;
• A Day Treatment school program for youth struggling in the typical school setting;
• Kennedy House Youth Centre, a secure custody facility for male youth experiencing conflict with the law;
• Bailiff services to safely and securely transport youth experiencing conflict with the law;
• Kennedy House After School Program for children aged 4-13 in underserved communities throughout Scarborough; and
• Kennedy House Youth Shelter, for youth aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness.

KH works with youth to enable them to grow as individuals and contribute as members of the community. This is achieved by providing customized support and building trusting relationships.To learn more about our organization and the causes we support, we strongly encourage you to visit our website.POSITION SUMMARYKennedy House is looking for result oriented Cooks to join our amazing Shelter Team located in East York. There are two positions available: a full-time position based on 40 hours per week, and a part-time position based on aproximately 24 hours a week (mainly weekends and one week day).Reporting to the Shelter Manager or designee, the Shelter Cook is responsible for the panning, preparation, and cooking of meals for up to 60 youth as per Canada’s Food Guide and Toronto Shelter Standards while providing necessary accommodations due to dietary requirements. The incumbant will act as a role model for the youth that utilize the shelter.The Kennedy House Youth Shelter is a 60-bed facility in the City of Toronto for youth that offers emergency and supportive care to youth ages 16 to 24 experiencing homelessness. Clients may self-refer in person or over the phone. The typical length of stay in an emergency shelter is intended to be of short duration and the majority of clients use this type of shelter only once before returning to permanent housing.Our Shelter is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and provides for theimmediate needs ofyouth by providing a safe and supportive environment, short-term living accommodations and basic necessities.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate a fully functional kitchen in a busy shelter environment
• Cook, prepare and plan nutritious meals (snacks, breakfast on weekends, and fresh lunch and dinner 5 days a week) for up to 60 youth as per Canada’s Food Guide while providing necessary accommodations due to dietary requirements
• Develop and present a biweekly menu as per Toronto Shelter Standards
• Prepare special meals for holidays and events throughout the year
• Assist with snack and weekend food preparation
• Establish and monitor maintenance schedules for all kitchen equipment and related services. Report equipment failure to the Assistant Shelter Manager promptly.
• Be creative with meals in a budget friendly manner – incorporating donated items into the menu in a timely fashion
• Complete all purchases required for food and kitchen supplies within a budget
• Receive food donations
• Ensure a high level of cleanliness in the work area and a professional presentation.
• Work independently and efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Meet monthly with Assistant Manager for supervision to provide updates and communicate needs of the kitchen.
• Participate effectively as a team member through communication, cooperation, information sharing and problem solving
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Maintain an inventory of food in storage room and freezers.
• Be available to fill in when necessary during vacations and periods of time off to ensure no interruption of service.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma/GED
• College Diploma in Culinary Arts is considered an asset
• Red Seal Chef Certification is considered an asset
• Valid Food Handler Certification is mandatory

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum one year experience working in a high volume kitchen.
• Prior experience cooking in the shelter environment or similar (i.e., residential group homes, etc.)
• Good working knowledge of all commercial grade kitchen equipment
• Good interpersonal communication skills, flexibility and willingness to shift priorities as needed
• Ability to prepare meals and snacks from pantry and fresh food items
• Ability to work variety of shifts
• Must be able to lift 50 lb
• Knowledge the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is considered an asset
• Ability to multi-task and plan and prioritize duties based on needs
• Valid Class G Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract is required
• Current (within 6 months) Police Check and Vulnerable Sector Search must be provided
• Current certification in CPR Level C and First Aid Level C is mandatory within 30 days of hire
• Broad awareness of other cultures, values, identities and perspectives with a demonstrated ability and interest in working with and for diverse populations
• Maintain all required immunizations and vaccines

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Majority of work performed indoors in a kitchen environment with fluctuating temperatures
• May have to wear uniforms such as aprons or jackets.
• May be exposed to hazardous situations and conditions that produce cuts or minor burns.
• May be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, such as when working near ovens or retrieving food from freezers.
• May be required to wear protective and safety attire, such as gloves.
• May be required to work some late afternoons/evenings
• Manual dexterity required to use sharp knives, cooking utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Able to occasionally lift items as heavy as 50 lbs.
• Able to stand for hours at a time and work near hot ovens and grills.

WHY KENNEDY HOUSEKennedy House provides its employees with a combination of challenging yet exciting career opportunities, both short and long-term. Being a Kennedy House employee means that you can apply your knowledge, broaden your skills and make a valuable contribution to the organization, our clients’ lives and wellbeing, and the community you live in. Here at Kennedy House, we help the youth of today achieve their dreams of tomorrow.Additionally, Kennedy House provides the following benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Group healthcare benefits (extended health, dental, and vision care)
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation
• Company matched retirement savings plan (RRSP)
• Opportunities to grow within the organization, including relocation within other the Kennedy House programs
• On-site parking
• Company events
• Casual dress code
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

HOW TO APPLYQualified applicants are encouraged to submit their application (resume and cover letter) using the Apply Now button. It is strongly encouraged that applications are submitted in pdf format.Kennedy House thanks in advance all applicants who submit an application for their interest and time spent preparing their application; however, due to the high volume of candidates received, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.Kennedy House is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. At Kennedy House, we are committed to a supportive work environment where employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Diversity and inclusion are a central part of our culture, and we aspire to be a workplace that is respectful to everyone. We appreciate the interest of all candidates. Due to the volumes of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, PermanentBenefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:All employee are required to wear a mask, undergo rapid antigen testing three times a week, and must be triple vaccinated.Application question(s):

• Kennedy House has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all employees; hence, successful candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots, as a condition of employment. Exemptions may be available pursuant to applicable legislation (i.e., Ontario Human Rights Code) or documented medical reasons. Are you still interested in proceeding with the application
• All employees must achieve and maintain a clear police check and vulnerable sector check. An offer of employment is conditional upon receiving a clear police check and vulnerable sector check. Do you accept these requirements
• All employees are required to participate in our communicable disease, health and safety and public health requirements such as a yearly influenza vaccine, DPT, MMR, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 Vaccine. Do you accept these requirements

Education:

• Secondary School (required)

Experience:

• Cooking: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Food Safe, SafeCheck, Food Handler or equivalent (required)
• Standard First Aid and CPR C training (preferred)
• Red Seal Chef Certification (preferred)
• Class G Drivers License (required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (required)
• Night Shift (preferred)

Work Location: One locationQuick Apply

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