ABOUT US:
The YMCA of Central East Ontario operates out of three major Health, Fitness and Recreation facilities as well as approximately 20 community locations. Our team consists of more than 350 staff members and over 150 volunteers. We proudly serve Belleville, Peterborough, the City of Quinte West, and the surrounding areas in Hastings County, Prince Edward County, and Peterborough County.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is a leading charity committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We are guided by values that influence our actions and the decisions we make: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Inclusiveness and Kindness. The YMCA provides our employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of all individuals and the health of our communities. We are seeking a strategic thinking, innovative, organized and passionate person to join our team and help to continue to bring our vision of Strong Kids, Healthy Families, and Inclusive Communities to life.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Childcare Cook plays a vital role in creating healthy, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that fuel children's growth, learning, and development. Responsible for planning, organizing, purchasing, and preparing daily snacks and lunches, this role ensures all meals meet the standards of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health while fostering a positive and welcoming mealtime experience for children in the assigned Child Care Program areas.
WHAT THE YMCA OF CENTRAL EAST ONTARIO HAS TO OFFER:
- Employer matched pension plan is offered to all once staff qualify
- YMCA membership
- Staff discounts for Child Care
- Employer paid Health, Rx, vision, dental, and life insurance for permanent, salaried employees
- LTD coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
- Training and development opportunities
- A rewarding job
SALARY RANGE: $38,221 - $43,818 per year.
VACANCY: This role (1) is for an existing vacancy.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program, Food Preparation and Sanitation:
- Daily planning, preparation and delivery of wholesome and nutritious foods prepared according to the Health Regulations, and Canada’s Food Guide in consultation with the Supervisor.
- Plan a 4 week menu rotation ensuring adequate variety, adherence to allergy/diet restrictions of children and ensuring that all preparation is peanut free.
- Prepare one hot lunch and two snacks per day following the four-week menu.
- Supply special dietary meals if necessary, taking children’s allergies and special parental direction into consideration. Information to be posted in kitchen.
- Responsible for purchasing of food and supplies needed for food preparation/serving and ensuring that budgets are adhered to.
- Handle food and dishes in accordance to the Ministry of Health Regulations.
- Cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen equipment daily.
- Clean and sanitize cupboards, fridge and food storage areas on a weekly basis or more often if necessary.
- Maintain all health and safety requirements.
- Ensure that the center is exceeding all cleaning standards and is well maintained.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Administration:
- Occasional use of computers for administrative purposes (typing menus).
- Daily record of food serving and refrigeration temperature logs are complete.
General:
- Act as a professional role model for children, volunteers, students and fellow staff members.
- Work together as an integral part of a team that meets the social emotional and physical needs of all children in the childcare program.
- Participate in all YMCA trainings, workshops, meetings and childcare events.
- Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Central East Ontario and the YMCA in Canada.
- Establish rapport and maintain effective relationship building behaviours with staff and members.
- Demonstrate strong support and commitment to community activities, representing the YMCA in a professional manner.
- Work to maintain active and effective communication and information networks within the centre and community agencies working with individual children and families regarding nutritional needs and diet.
- Develop positive relationships and collaborative partnerships with parents.
- Provide break relief and operational support for childcare staff.
- Occasional travel required.
- Other duties as assigned by the Childcare Manager/Supervisor.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Safe Food Handler Certificate.
- Secondary Education Diploma.
- RECE an asset.
- Operation of Food Services equipment i.e. oven, stove, cooking appliances.
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members including children, parents, staff, volunteers, other community agencies and volunteers.
- Mush have knowledge of children’s nutritional requirements according to Canada’s Food Guide, MEDU and the Ministry of Health legislation.
EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the food preparation industry.
- Experience in food preparation/serving.
- Prior experience working with children an asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Requirement of Standard First Aid and CPR
- Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check
- Standing for long period of time
- Must be able to lift up to 30lbs
- Valid driver's licence and access to reliable transportation are required, as this role includes occasional travel to purchase and transport groceries and other program-related supplies.
- Picking up boxes and food containers, blending, lifting, kneeling, wiping counters, mopping floors, preparing food and manually washing dishes
How to Apply:
All interested candidates are to submit a resume to:
Tana Jackson
Recruitment & Training Coordinator
[email protected]
Applications will be received until August 21, 2026 by 5:00pm.
We appreciate your interest in a career opportunity with the YMCA of Central East Ontario. Please note that with the high amount of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is committed to an environment that is barrier free; if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so that we can arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. The YMCA of Central East Ontario values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.
Pay: $38,221.00-$43,818.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
