Position Summary
Seabird Island is committed to fostering health and wellness within our community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being.
The Food and Nutritional Wellness Worker supports the health and wellbeing of program participants through safe, nutritious, and culturally respectful food preparation and meal service during weekend operations. Under the direction of the Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead and following established menus, procedures, and food safety standards, this role is responsible for preparing and serving meals, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and supporting a positive and welcoming dining experience for clients.
Working under the guidance of senior staff, the position helps maintain food safety standards, supports nutrition education and cultural food activities, and assists with incorporating traditional First Nations foods into menus. Through teamwork and adherence to established protocols, the role contributes to a safe, welcoming environment that supports clients’ physical, emotional, and cultural well-being.
What You'll Do
Meal Preparation and Daily Food Service
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for program participants in accordance with established menus and dietary guidelines.
- Plan and prepare breakfast and lunch offerings for clients during weekend shifts.
- Prepare dinner meal kits in alignment with established menus developed by weekday staff.
- Provide clear preparation instructions for dinner meals to support handoff to Clinical Support Workers and clients for final cooking and service.
- Estimate ingredients and quantities required; prepare, cook, and test food items for quality and palatability.
Incorporate traditional First Nations foods into meal plans where possible.
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Dietary Needs and Client Support
- Follow documented dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions as outlined in client charts, logbooks, and care plans.
- Communicate any concerns related to food intake, allergies, or nutrition to nursing staff or the supervisor as required.
- Support a respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe dining environment that promotes dignity, choice, and wellness.
- Contribute to nutrition education and food literacy initiatives for program participants, as appropriate to role scope.
Food Safety & Kitchen Operations
- Ensure proper food storage, temperature control, and preparation in accordance with Food Safe Guidelines.
- Monitor and document food storage and cooking temperatures, including fridge temperature checks and cooked food temperature verification.
- Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Complete required food safety documentation and daily kitchen logs.
- Support compliance with licensing and food safety standards during weekend operations.
- Participate in Food Safe training and assist in reinforcing food safety protocols among peers and clients.
Inventory & Procurement Support
- Flag low stock or urgent supply concerns using established communication and handoff processes.
- Assist with receiving, labeling, and organizing food deliveries, ensuring proper storage and rotation.
- Help monitor expiration dates and reduce waste through FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
Communication and Handover
- Document meal service activities, issues, or observations relevant to weekend operations.
- Communicate food-related concerns, supply issues, or client needs to weekday positions or program staff as appropriate.
- Gather client feedback related to meals and food services and share insights with the supervisor to support continuous improvement.
- Participate in brief handover or reporting processes to ensure continuity of service.
Other Duties
- Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
Working / Special Conditions
- Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
- Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
- Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel to and from the communities we serve.
- Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.
What you'll Bring
Education:
- Certificate or diploma in Nutrition, Community Health, Food Services, Culinary Arts, Public Health, or related field.
- Equivalency: A combination of relevant experience and training may be considered.
Certifications:
- FOODSAFE Level 1 (or equivalent provincial certification).
- WHMIS training.
- Valid Food Handler or Safe Food credential appropriate to the province/territory.
Experience:
- 6–12 months in food service, community health, or wellness programming (including practicum/co-op).
- Experience handling dietary restrictions, allergy tracking, and basic food safety documentation (e.g.,temperature logs).
Cultural Safety & Competency:
- Demonstrated understanding of First Nations food traditions, cultural safety, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Ability to work respectfully with Indigenous clients, Elders, and community partners.
Technical & Administrative Skills:
- Basic skills in menu support, inventory tracking, receiving and storing goods, and data entry.
- Comfortable using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) for records, checklists, and reporting.
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication and teamwork; reliable and detail-oriented.
- Ability to follow protocols, maintain confidentiality, and escalate issues appropriately.
- Customer-service mindset with empathy and patience.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to lift/move supplies (up to ~20–25 kg) and stand for extended periods.
- Flexibility to work early/late shifts or weekends as needed for community events.
Preferred:
- Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
- Experience working with diverse age groups, including youth, adults, and Elders.
- Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
- Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Cultural Competes:
- Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Experience applying culturally safe and trauma-informed practices in counselling settings.
- Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
How to Apply
- Have a question about this role before you apply? Email [email protected].
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.
Pre-Employment Screening
Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
