More Than a Cook—Help Build Community Through Food
Do you believe that food has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and improve wellbeing?
CMHA Kamloops is seeking a compassionate and organized Institutional Cook to join our new McGill Project, a 54-unit transitional housing program supporting adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll prepare nutritious meals while helping create a welcoming dining environment where residents feel respected, connected, and supported. Beyond meal preparation, you'll have the opportunity to share your knowledge by supporting cooking classes and life skills development that help residents build independence and confidence in the kitchen.
About the McGill Project
The McGill Project is a 54-unit transitional housing program that provides temporary housing and individualized supports to adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Services are delivered using Housing First, person-centred, trauma-informed, culturally safe, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices. Working alongside residents, Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, and community partners, we support individuals in building stability, developing life skills, and successfully transitioning to long-term housing.
The Opportunity
As the Institutional Cook, you will prepare nutritious, balanced meals while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient kitchen environment. Working closely with residents and staff, you'll contribute to a positive dining experience and may support cooking classes, meal preparation activities, and other opportunities that promote healthy eating, life skills, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for residents in accordance with FoodSafe standards and public health regulations.
- Plan menus that consider nutrition, dietary restrictions, allergies, cultural preferences, and available resources.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen, including food storage, equipment, and work areas.
- Monitor inventory, order food and kitchen supplies, and assist with cost-effective food management.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to support resident health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
- Facilitate or support cooking classes, meal preparation activities, and other life skills programming that encourages independence and healthy living.
- Encourage resident participation in meal preparation and kitchen activities where appropriate while maintaining food safety standards.
- Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive dining environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
- Complete required documentation and maintain food safety and sanitation records.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about preparing nutritious, high-quality meals.
- Enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
- Believes food can be a powerful tool for connection, wellness, and learning.
- Has strong organizational skills and can manage multiple priorities in a busy kitchen.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and teamwork.
- Is adaptable, dependable, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
- Understands or is willing to learn trauma-informed, culturally safe, and recovery-oriented approaches to service delivery.
Qualifications
- Formal culinary training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience preparing meals in an institutional, commercial, or high-volume kitchen.
- Current FoodSafe Certificate.
- Current First Aid & CPR (or willingness to obtain).
- Criminal Record Check.
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence (an asset).
Experience working in community social services, supportive housing, healthcare, or other human service settings is considered an asset.
Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the ongoing impacts of colonization is considered an asset.
Why Join CMHA Kamloops?
Joining CMHA Kamloops means becoming part of an organization committed to compassion, inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Help launch an exciting new transitional housing program.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
- Use your culinary skills to promote health, dignity, and independence.
- Support residents in developing valuable cooking and life skills.
- Work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
- Access ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
CMHA Kamloops is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and others who can contribute to the diversity of our organization. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $27.33 per hour
Expected hours: 15 – 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
