The Organization
SIRCH Community Services, established in 1989, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering thriving communities where everyone feels connected and supported. Our mission is to identify community needs and barriers, developing solutions through inspiration, innovation, and partnerships. Guided by our core values, we create meaningful change and impactful outcomes. Every position is important.
The SIRCH Bistro & Bakery exemplifies this mission by offering more than just a dining experience. Located at 49 Maple Avenue in Haliburton, this non-profit eatery provides affordable, nutritious meals while addressing food insecurity and community isolation. Through innovative programs like Community Kitchen and "Lunch Is On Us", the Bistro transforms food service into a platform for social connection. By sourcing local ingredients and creating unique partnerships—such as using spent grain from Haliburton Brewery to make sourdough bread—the Bistro demonstrates SIRCH's commitment to sustainable, community-driven solutions. It's not just a restaurant, but a vital community hub that brings people together, supports local producers, and provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers and community members.
Why Join Us
Are you between 15 and 30 with a passion for food service and community support? SIRCH Community Services offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference through our Kitchen Helper role at the SIRCH Bistro & Bakery! Our team provides affordable, nutritious meals using local produce and demonstrates core competencies of culinary creativity and community engagement. If you want to develop professional skills while supporting innovative local partnerships, join our team. We offer hands-on experience, personal growth opportunities, and the chance to build a stronger, more supportive community through the power of good food.
Everything that SIRCH does is based on our Core Values:
The Ripple Effect
Imagine for a moment the image of a stone being gently dropped into a still pond, sending ripples outward in all directions. We recognize that every action we take has a profound impact. It gives us a deep sense of purpose and meaning in our work at SIRCH and fuels our motivation and drive. Knowing our actions have impact, we act with intentionality and authenticity to create meaningful change.
Can-do Attitude
We approach all situations with a proactive and optimistic mindset, confident in our ability to tackle challenges and turn difficulties into opportunities for growth. Our focus is on solutions, and we remain optimistic and persistent in our endeavors.
Creative, Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Our commitment to creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and calculated risk-taking enables us to develop innovative solutions to complex issues. We embrace new ideas, question established norms, and approach problems from different perspectives. By learning from both successes and failures, we maintain a forward-looking mindset that drives continuous improvement.
Levelling the Playing Field
Everyone matters, and we care deeply about the struggles individuals face. Whether an individual, a group, or a community, we strive to address and remove barriers, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all. Our goal is to help level the playing field for those in need, promoting inclusivity and support.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of unity. By fostering and honoring partnerships with clients, customers, businesses, organizations, funders, donors, volunteers, and more, we ensure mutual success and growth. Our "win-win" attitude reflects our commitment to seeing everyone thrive. Integrity is at the heart of our collaboration: we succeed through ethical means and uphold positivity in our conversations about others. In disagreements, we keep the door open for dialogue and respect the diverse opinions of all parties.
Loyalty
We are steadfastly committed to SIRCH’s mission, values, and the people we serve. We are reliable, dedicated, and trustworthy in all our interactions and endeavors. We build and maintain trust through honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. We show dedication to SIRCH’s goals and relationships, prioritizing the well-being and success of those we serve. We support the organization’s decisions, and help ensure the success of its programs, services, and social enterprises in everything we do.
Position Summary
SIRCH Community Services is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking youth (ages 15-30) to join our Bistro team as a Kitchen Helper through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This opportunity offers hands-on experience in food service and preparation, allowing you to develop valuable skills in a community-focused organization. Responsibilities include assisting with food preparation, serving customers, maintaining cleanliness in the dining area, and supporting the overall operations of our counter-order restaurant. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to providing excellent customer service. Through this role, you'll gain meaningful experience in food service while contributing to SIRCH's mission of building stronger, more supportive communities.
In their daily tasks, the Bistro Assistant (Kitchen Helper) will embody and promote SIRCH's core values:
· The Ripple Effect: Creating a positive impact through exceptional customer service and quality food preparation, uplifting customers, staff, and the broader community.
· Can-do Attitude: Demonstrating proactive problem-solving and adaptability in handling diverse tasks across customer service, food preparation, and dining area maintenance.
· Creative Thinking: Seeking innovative ways to enhance customer experience, improve food presentation, and contribute to an inviting dining atmosphere.
· Levelling the Playing Field: Ensuring all customers receive equal, high-quality service, supporting SIRCH's commitment to fairness and community support through inclusive dining practices.
· Collaboration: Fostering teamwork with kitchen staff, servers, and management to achieve operational goals and maintain a welcoming environment for all customers.
· Loyalty: Strengthening organizational values by consistently delivering excellent service and building lasting relationships with regular customers and team members.
Vision & Mission Alignment:
The Bistro Assistant (Kitchen Helper) position is integral to SIRCH Community Services' mission of building resilient communities by supporting food security and fostering social connections. Through the counter-order restaurant, this role directly contributes to community engagement and skill development. By providing exceptional customer service, assisting with food preparation, and maintaining a welcoming dining environment, the Assistant embodies SIRCH's commitment to innovative solutions that strengthen individual and community potential. This position plays a crucial role in promoting healthy eating, enhancing social interactions, and building a more supportive, interconnected community through the shared experience of food.
Being the Face of SIRCH
SIRCH team members help bring our mission to life, and we are proud to showcase the people behind our work. As part of working at SIRCH, staff may be photographed or filmed at any SIRCH location (including warehouses, the Bistro & Bakery, offices, programs, and community events) for use in our internal and external communications, such as social media, our website, printed materials, reports, and promotional videos. By applying for this position, candidates are excited to positively represent SIRCH and our community in these public-facing spaces. Final consent for the use of any photos or videos that identify an individual staff member will be confirmed during hiring and documented in the employment agreement or related consent form, in keeping with SIRCH’s privacy and confidentiality policies.
Responsibilities
The Bistro Assistant (Kitchen Helper) will play a vital role in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of the counter-order restaurant at SIRCH Community Services. This position involves a variety of tasks related to customer interaction, food service, and maintaining a clean and welcoming dining environment.
Key Responsibilities
· Greet and Seat Customers: Welcome guests warmly as they enter the bistro, assist them in finding seating, and provide menus.
· Assist with Food and Beverage Service: Take orders from customers at the counter, serve food and beverages promptly once meals are prepared, and ensure that all items meet quality standards.
· Help with Food Preparation: Assist kitchen staff with food preparation tasks, including chopping vegetables, assembling dishes, and preparing ingredients for cooking.
· Maintain Cleanliness of Dining Area: Regularly clean tables, chairs, and dining surfaces; ensure that the dining area is tidy and organized throughout service hours.
· Process Payments and Operate Cash Register: Accurately handle cash transactions, process credit card payments, and maintain a balanced cash register at the end of each shift.
· Deliver Meals to Customers: Bring meals to customers at their tables once seated, ensuring timely service and attention to customer needs.
Skills developed:
· Customer Service
· Communication
· Adaptability
· Collaboration
· Problem-solving
· Numeracy
Qualifications
· Excellent communication skills
· Excellent organizational skills
· Basic math skills, attention to detail and accuracy
· Active listening skills
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Shows maturity, good judgement and performs duties in a professional manner
· Problem solving and decision making
· Enthusiasm & initiative
· Ability to work in a Team environment
· Experience working with the public and in a Customer Service role
Working Conditions & Benefits and Perks
· This position is through the Canada Summer Jobs program
· $18.50 per hour
· July to August 32.5 hours per week
· Staff discount
Pay: $18.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
