Drop In Engagement Opportunities

JOB POSTING

Winter Relief Drop-In Program Breakfast Program Chef

We are seeking a dynamic visionary with a keen interest in nutrition, food sustainability and security, community development and social justice. This position is a contract position for 12 weeks 4 hours per day, 4 days per week Monday-Thursday 7:00am – 11:00am The successful applicant will be responsible for every aspect of the business. Our multi-faceted leader must be able to operate within anti-oppression framework and be able to combine the mandate of our organization with the skills needed to drive the business in the following areas: As part of our health awareness program focus the position of breakfast chef at the Christie Ossington Centre will be responsible for creating healthy delicious meals.

The right person will be:

• Creating inspired new menus, using nutrition as their guide.

• They will possess excellent cooking skills and feel totally at ease taking the lead in the kitchen.

• Working within a budget the chef will be responsible for varying breakfasts each week so that the clients are served different breakfasts for three months.

• This will be accomplished by being familiar with ethno-diversity and creating breakfasts focusing on different cultures.

• While there is a small food budget for the breakfast program we do rely on food donations.

• The chef will be aware of all food donations and be able to combine that with food they purchase.

• The key is to be able to create wonderful breakfast combinations while keeping nutrition and budgeting a priority.

• The breakfast chef should have a good grasp on cooking with an abundant amount of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and not rely on bacon and eggs or sausages and eggs.

• There needs to be a genuine commitment to keep the kitchen and food storage areas clean and pest free. • Understanding of Public Health Food Handling and Sanitation is a must.

• As well as having a keen knowledge of current food trends and kitchen operations the right person will know how to work with volunteers and be comfortable with homeless and vulnerable members of the community.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills should be proven through previous work experience.

• The ability to work as part of a team is essential. • Flexibility and being able to remain calm under any circumstance are important for this position.

• coordinating and working with volunteers, placement students, and youth participants in the preparation of meals

• developing and maintaining relationships with food suppliers • assisting with equipment needs identification and purchases

• identifying and addressing legal, permit, and logistics issues • assisting with market research about trends, consumer demands, and competitors

• attending and contributing to strategic planning meetings • participating in regular staff meetings

• communicating with community centre staff and other local stakeholders

Prepare and serve nutritious and tasty breakfasts for Drop-In clients every morning Monday to Thursday. Check supply levels and notify Community Kitchen Worker if anything is needed.  Occasionally shop for sundry supplies as requested.  Put away leftovers in a timely manner according to approved guidelines; label and date all items.  Ensure that the kitchen and storage areas are kept clean and pest-free.  Ensure that garbage and recycling are handled according to approved guidelines. Work with Drop-In staff to clean and sanitize kitchen area after supper.  Ensure that meals and snacks reflect the ethno-cultural diversity of the community. Follow Food Safety practices according to Department of Health approved guidelines. Report any property management or other problems to the supervisor in a timely manner. Attend meetings as required. Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications: • Completed post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant field or equivalent work experience • 1-2 years experience working in a kitchen/nutrition environment • Experience supervising, directing and effectively utilizing volunteers and co-op students • Background/experience in nutrition and or health and wellness • Excellent ability to communicate with youth and adults

Assets: • 1-2 years experience in café or restaurant management • Experience working within a non-profit environment • Ability to communicate in languages other than English • First Aid certification • Criminal Reference Check from Toronto Police Services

Salary: $17.49 per hour

Start Date: ASAP

Please send or hand deliver resume/cover letter to: Children’s Program Manager, Alia Abaya Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre 854 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6G 1M2