Cook

Employment Type: Full time
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reporting to: Senior Director Food Services
City: Medicine Hat
Number of Positions to Fill: 1
RFR #: 1707

As a member of the Food Services team the Cook is responsible for supporting meal service at Shelter and CIC locations. Duties include the preparation storage distribution and cleanup of meal service. Recognizing that healthy community and relationships are integral to poverty alleviation the Cook will not only support the production of nutritionally adequate meals but also to bring about The Mustard Seeds mission and values and create a space of belonging growth and wellbeing for volunteers people accessing services and staff members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the preparation portioning service and storage of meals at designated location
• Notify Food Services Supervisor of donations received and assist in processing them
• Be flexible and incorporate food donations into meal plans as much as possible in order to ensure wise stewardship of budget
• Communicate ingredient needs to the Food Services Supervisor
• Participate in monthly menu planning
• Work with Volunteer Services to build a rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience for those helping in the kitchen including staff volunteers and community participants
• Seek creative ways of including community participants in kitchen tasks and activities and cultivate a culture of hospitality
• Train and mentor those helping in the kitchen (staff volunteers and community participants) on cooking skills interpersonal skills and food handling and safety
• Ensure that volunteers treat all community participants with dignity and care that is consistent with the values of The Mustard Seed when in the kitchen
• Follow food safe practices when receiving food (both donations and orders) storing food and handling (preparing and serving) in accordance with Alberta Health Standards
• Understand and communicate the root causes of poverty and poverty alleviation to those helping in the kitchen
• Foster meaningful relationships with supervisors co-workers volunteers and community participants

OTHER DUTIES:

• Maintain cleanliness of food areas and kitchen safety to building code standards
• Communicate with Chef any incoming donations to process
• Maintain specific records including meal plans and any changes quantities daily notes
• Assist volunteers regarding food handling and safety
• Foster develop and maintain cooperative relationships with donors and volunteers
• Attend participate in and contribute to monthly general team support meetings with supervisor other meetings and other events
• Participate in all staff training (e.g. First Aid SafeTALK Nonviolence)
• Other duties at primary or other sites may be assigned when required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Experience working in food service: food preparation and meal planning skills
• Flexible spirit with the ability to adapt to changing situations and solve problems creatively
• Understanding poverty issues within the inner-city and willingness to continue to learn about issues particularly those pertaining to food
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a variety of groups and personality types
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong leadership skills: ability to train and support staff volunteers and community participants
• Valid First Aid Certification
• Valid Food Safety Certification
• Valid drivers license a reliable vehicle and $2 million liability insurance required

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fast paced indoor working environment
• Able to work evening shifts and weekends as required
• Moderate mental effort including ability to solve problems pertaining to the Meal Program under time pressure creative use of food donations engaging volunteers and community participants
• Moderate physical effort including regular heavy lifting (50lbs) being on your feet for extended periods of time and food pick-ups may be required
• May be required to work at all The Mustard Seed sites

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An Employment Background Check is required for all positions at The Mustard Seed
• As The Mustard Seed is a Christian ministry we require our employees to agree to respect and not detract from The Mustard Seeds Employment Values during their employment at The Mustard Seed.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer

This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for company use and the use of a company vehicle. The candidate must have a valid drivers licence and maintain $2M Vehicle Liability insurance on the vehicle being used and will need to consent to a drivers abstract request.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Mustard Seed offers a competitive compensation package including 100% employer paid extended health and dental benefits for staff and dependents matching RRSP after one year of service and wellness days.

NOTE

• Your privacy is important to us. The information we collect is used solely for consideration for employment.
• We thank all candidates for their interest however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mustard Seed reserves the right to amend job advertisements. No phone calls please.
• Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.