ABOUT US
Kennedy 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 SUMMARY
Kennedy House is looking for a result oriented Cook to join our amazing Shelter Team located in East York.
Reporting to the Shelter Manager or designee, the Shelter Cook is responsible for the planning, preparation, and cooking of meals for up to 23 youth as per Canada’s Food Guide and Toronto Shelter Standards while providing necessary accommodations due to dietary requirements. The incumbent will act as a role model for the youth that utilize the shelter.
The Kennedy House Youth Shelter is a 23-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 the immediate needs of youth 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, fresh lunch and dinner 7 days a week) for up to 23 youth as per Canada’s Food Guide while providing necessary accommodations due to dietary requirements
- Develop and present a weekly 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 an asset
- 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 HOUSE?
Kennedy 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.
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
