The Position
Under the supervision of the Wellness Centre Manager, the Food Services Coordinator and Lead Cook will oversee and provide food services. This role includes developing and implementing a meal program to enhance the food security and nutrition of participating children, youth and families. The Coordinator/Lead cook directs, supervises, and evaluates the work of kitchen staff/volunteers and ensures that food handling, preparation, storage, serving and cleaning of premises is completed in accordance with the Food Premises Regulation of the Public Health Act, the Food Safety Act and other relevant regulations.
You will develop and implement a meal plan appropriate to meet the nutritional requirements of children and youth for Wellness Centre programs, Additionally, you will prepare meals and snacks for Wellness Centre programs for children/youth, families, volunteers, and support staff.
The Candidate:
- Plan menus that are high quality, nutritious, sufficient to meet dietary needs, palatable and culturally based (whenever possible).
- Develop and implement a skill-based food program to educate parents, children, and youth on healthy eating. actively engage participants in meal planning, cooking/cleaning, and prep.
- Is the lead cook and directs all food handling and meal preparation tasks.
- Plan, budget, purchase groceries and prepare daily meals while facilitating skill development through role modelling and actively engaging them in hands-on learning.
- Responsible for the ordering of program groceries and cleaning supplies including facilitating order pickups as required.
- Maintain health and safety standards within the kitchen, ensuring a daily routine of cleaning and sanitization, ensuring proper labelling and storage. This includes measures to prevent pest infestations.
- Regularly inspect the kitchen including all appliances, and supplies ensuring any damage is identified and repaired.
- Provide supervision and support to families and staff accessing the kitchen ensuring they are aware of and follow health and safety expectations.
- Promote an environment of safe cooking practices with the ability to respond to emergent circumstances.
- Maintain an inventory of food items, supplies and cleaning supplies.
- Ensure that garbage, recycling and food waste are properly disposed of. This includes ensuring that bins/dumpsters and service fences are locked and bearproof.
- Perform other duties within the scope of the position, as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- FOODSAFE Level 1 is required.
- FOODSAFE Level 2 must be obtained within the first year of employment.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience working in a kitchen environment.
- A post-secondary degree in the Food Services Industry is preferred.
- Strong ability to work under minimal supervision and act with a high degree of independent judgement, acting on a variety of matters as required.
- Possession of a valid BC driver’s license.
- Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
