Current Openings at Red Door Family Shelter
Relief Cook
Description
About Red Door: Red Door is a non-for-profit organization. The mission of the Red Door Shelter is to end homelessness for each family that comes through our doors by providing a safe, temporary refuge and critical services to support them in healing, rebuilding their lives and integrating back into a community. At Red Door, we strive for quality care, advocacy, collaboration, integrity and accountability.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Business Coordinator, the Cook is responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, and service of daily meals at the shelter. This position ensures adherence to all food safety and sanitation standards, provides training in food preparation, and maintains compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations as mandated by Ontario public health guidelines
Responsibilities:
- Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for shelter residents according to established schedules
- Execute and maintain an efficient, economical, and nutritious food service program through strategic menu planning
- Assess and accommodate residents' dietary needs, preferences, and cultural considerations
- Prepare school lunches for children, as well as meals and snacks for special events, meetings, and excursions
- Monitor portion control and minimize food waste while maintaining quality standards
- Ensure compliance with Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493/17) and all public health standards
- Maintain kitchen sanitation and safety protocols at all times
- Execute kitchen cleaning duties in accordance with established schedules and standards
- Monitor and enforce proper food handling, storage, and preparation practices
- Receive, inspect, and supervise food donations and deliveries
- Manage food ordering and monitor adherence to allocated weekly budgets
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels and arrange for proper storage of food products and materials
- Track and report on food supply costs and recommend cost-efficient, nutritious, quality food items
- Accurately maintain all necessary logs and records for tracking and compliance purposes
- Direct and supervise volunteers and/or residents assisting in the kitchen
- Provide appropriate training in food preparation and safety practices
- Ensure all kitchen staff and volunteers follow established protocols
- Accurately log all necessary tracking information for record-keeping purposes.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and agency information in accordance with privacy legislation
- Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development as required
- Use creativity and innovation in program development and service delivery
- Assists residents with special dietary needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support shelter operations
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Post-secondary education in Culinary Arts/Hospitality preferred.
- Sound knowledge of the Canada Food Guide, with an ability to effectively apply this to menu planning and meal preparation.
- One to three years of related culinary experience in institutional or commercial food service settings
- Experience in providing large volume food services, preferably in a shelter setting.
Certifications and Clearances
- Valid Food Handler's Certification
Knowledge and Skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of institutional food preparation, production standards, and commercial-grade kitchen equipment operation
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations, including Ontario's Food Premises Regulation
- Knowledge of dietary accommodations for diverse populations, including cultural, religious, and medical considerations
- Understanding of the cultural, socioeconomic, and trauma-informed needs of the client population
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse clients and staff
- Flexibility and adaptability to shift priorities as operational needs change
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Commitment to ethics, integrity, and maintaining professional boundaries
Working Conditions:
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp objects, and kitchen equipment
- Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
Position Type: Casual
Job Reference Code: B-146
Compensation: $28.15 per hour + plus 4% vacation pay and access to the health care spending account (HCSA) and employee assistance program
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Successful candidates will be required to clear vulnerable sector screening.
The Red Door is an equal opportunity agency that welcomes applications from all interested individuals. We particularly encourage those with lived experiences and affinities that align with our clients, as this allows us to effectively represent their interests. We also strongly invite women-identifying individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, newcomers to Canada, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Please note that our main office and our Violence Against Women shelter are not fully wheelchair accessible.
Compensation
$28.15 per hour