EDS Specialist

Who We Are

For more than 130 years The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church each year we help more than 2 million people providing necessities such as food clothing and shelter. In addition we support people experiencing unemployment addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission vision and values of hope service dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The EDS Specialist assist with the planning and delivery of the Emergency Disaster Services program within the assigned catchment area. During deployment an emphasis is on the delivery of Food including cooking and preparing nutritious meals and Emotional & Spiritual Care from a CRU (Community Response Unit Field Kitchen).

Accountabilities:

Service Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Divisional Director of EDS assist with the provision of 24-hour 7 days a week Emergency Disaster Services for catchment area as situations and/or the Government MOU dictate.

• Participate in the organizing and delivery of training courses with the catchment area.

• Share responsibility with the Divisional Director of EDS in ensuring that clients receive pastoral care emotional & spiritual support and referrals as needed.

• Ensure assistance is provided with respect to clients immediate material needs i.e. food water and clothing.

• During deployment a major emphasis will be on the delivery of Food.

• Prepares and serves traditional meals off CRU following Canadas Food Guide andthe Dietician approved menu for up to 500 people.

• Ensures food safe practices are always followed in food preparation service and storage. Ensuring items stored in refrigerators and freezers are labelled dated covered properly and placed on the appropriate shelf.

• May use a wide range of cookery methods to produce a range of menu items including boil blanch simmer poach steam stew braise roast bake grill and shallow fry.

• Checks and records the temperature of food items and takes into consideration the amount of time they have been in the danger zone. Takes temperature of prepared foods before service and records same.

• In collaboration with the Divisional EDS Director ensures inventory is rotated on a regular basis

• Decides on the appropriate creative and efficient use of food to minimize wastage.

• Prepares and sequences the timing of food and preparation of tasks

• Records daily monthly and quarterly statistics for meal numbers and volunteer hours.

• Schedules job-related training for volunteers as required.

• Maintain and keep in a state of readiness all vehicles and equipment assigned to the Emergency Disaster Services program.

• Ensure that designated operators of EDS assigned vehicles properly maintain the service units.

• Assist in the development of a response strategy (preparation of EDS manuals and other relevant materials) that will reflect the different regions within the catchment area.

• May provide supervision and oversight to volunteers during a deployment when directed by the Incident Commander.

• Perform other position related duties as required

Organizational Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

• Maintain information in confidence as required

• Participate as an active and responsible team member

• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required

• Participate in supervision and regular performance reviews/evaluations as required.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations safe food handling protocols and abide by The Salvation Armys health and safety policies and procedures.

• Ensures high sanitation and cleanliness standards are maintained throughout the kitchen eating area and food storage areas including removing kitchen and dining area waste; wear the appropriate personal protective equipment; and ensuring proper lifting twisting and reaching techniques in the performance of duties.

• May be required to ensure that the CRU and other related equipment (i.e. storage trailers bunkhouse refrigeration units) is secure and that safety standards are always met or exceeded.

• Ongoing training and certification in all Salvation Army Territorial EDS aspects is required.

• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Administrative/Financial

• Provides input to annual EDS budget.

• Together with Divisional Director of EDS monitors EDS operating budget.

• Assists with the recruitment onboarding and engagement of EDS personnel

• Completes maintains and submits reports forms and statistics as per EDS standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent full time position at 37.5 hours per week.

• Work is typically in a home office environment.

• The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure while managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines including participating in resolving and effectively managing emergency/crisis situations is an ongoing expectation.

• Flexibility as participation in response meetings conferences and other events may involve long work days and/or evening/weekend work.

• Must be deployable during a disaster incident to support emergency operations for a minimum of 14 days and work extended hours.

• During a disaster incident this position may be deployed to support on-site disaster relief operations. This may include operating in hardship conditions where basic amenities such as power and water may not be readily available. Working conditions during a disaster operation may be extremely hectic and stressful.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of three academic years in disaster and emergency management or a related field

• An Undergraduate Degree will be considered as an asset.

• Successful completion of key National Disaster Training Program courses (Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations Incident Command System Train the Trainer) or ability to complete within 12 months.

• First Aid/CPR certification.

• Red Seal Certification or equivalent as an asset.

• Food Safety Certificate per provincial requirements.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Three years of related experience.

• Minimum of two (2) years frontline experience in emergency planning and preparedness or other experience in frontline work with survivors of emergency or disaster situations.

• Experience in preparing meals for up to 500 people.

• Proven emergency management skills (prevention mitigation preparedness response and recovery).

• Excellent networking skills with the ability to coordinate and supervise groups of volunteers across a wide geographic area would be a definite asset.

• Working knowledge of all Salvation Army emergency social services primary services programs EDS programs and Salvation Army Social Service programs is an asset.

• Respect and understanding of The Salvation Army - its mission culture and values.

Note: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Attention to detail problem solving and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful high-paced environments.

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Excellent oral written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Attentive listening skills.

• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills.

• Strong organization and administrative skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word Excel Access PowerPoint).

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions internal equity and candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.