Kitchen Animator

POSITION: Kitchen AnimatorTERM: Part-time 16-24 hours per week, Tues/Wed/Thurs, 1 year Contract, with possibility to extendLOCATION: Toronto - in officeWAGE: $23.00/hourAPPLICATION CLOSING DATE: November 14, 2025ABOUT USStella’s Place is a community-based mental health agency dedicated to supporting young adults (ages 16-29) experiencing mental health challenges. We provide innovative, evidence-based services in a low-barrier and youth-friendly environment, including individual therapy, group programs, peer support, and system navigation.Mission: Partnering with young adults 16-29 years old and professionals to provide a collaborative, innovative model of mental health services.Vision: Healthy, resilient young adults living the lives they choose.Values: At Stella’s Place, we fundamentally value the capabilities and contributions of young adults as we seek breakthrough innovations that benefit our community and society as a whole.We also value:Inclusiveness, diversity, and equityAccessibility and a sharing of knowledgeCreativity, along with a strengths-based approachPOSITION OVERVIEWStella’s Place is seeking a Kitchen Animator to support the Community Kitchen and Snack Program. The person in this role will support our Kitchen Coordinator in preparing our daily snacks and special meals program. The Kitchen Animator will also support the delivery of our cooking programs for young adults with mental health needs.This is a new position and is an exciting opportunity for an emerging or established cook who is passionate about nutrition as a vital component for the holistic delivery of mental health and wellness services to youth. The Kitchen Animator will support our Kitchen Coordinator and will co-facilitate kitchen programs that teach young people how to prepare nutritious food on a budget through hands-on cooking demonstrations, tips, techniques, recipes and meal-preparation strategies.The Kitchen Animator will also support food planning, inventory, and preparation.RESPONSIBILITIESMaintain a clean and organized kitchen and dining spaceDevelop snack plans and shopping listsPrepare and set up snacks in the kitchen for programsPrepare food packages for people to take home and place them in the Cafe space.Sort, clean and organize the food received by food donors and vendorsManage food inventoriesEmploy high standard of food safety practices and handling; ensure Toronto Public Health guidelines are maintained or exceededSupport the development of a cooking class curriculum, incorporating young adult’s input and feedbackSupport teaching cooking classes to young adults, through a mental health lensCollaborate with peer support workers who will support cooking classes and provide mental health expertiseParticipate in relevant training and learning opportunitiesAdditional duties as required.CORE COMPETENCIESThe ability to ensure kitchen and food safetyExperience as a cook or kitchen assistant in a community settingAble to manage multiple tasks while staying calm and role modeling to young adult learners and co-workers.Experience and enthusiasm working with youth, young adults, or vulnerable populations.Creative and a team playerEnthusiasm about group facilitation, community engagement, and encouraging our young adult participants that they are valued and can reach their potentialExperience working in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive environmentExperience working in the mental health and/or social services sector and/or lived experience with mental health is an assetAbility to thrive in the Stella’s Place environment as expressed in our mission, vision and valuesQUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE1-2 years’ experience working as a cook in a community kitchen and/or related experienceFood safety certificationExperience in menu planning and inventory managementExperience working with vulnerable populationsExcellent interpersonal and teamwork skillsA valid vulnerable sector screening will be required prior to employment starting.HOURS & REPORTINGThis position reports to the Expressive Arts Therapist Manager.This opportunity is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 16-24 hours a week.DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCOMMODATIONStella’s Place is committed to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto in general and of our participants in particular. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and all those who can provide and contribute to diversification of perspective at Stella’s Place.Stella’s Place is committed to hiring practices that are inclusive and barrier free. Stella’s Place will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation during all stages of the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code in order to ensure the equal and fair assessment of all job applicants. Applicants are asked to make any accommodation request in advance.YOUR APPLICATIONInterested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their cover letter outlining your interest in working with Stella’s Place along with a detailed CV by November 14, 2025. AI may be used in the selection process.We thank all candidates for their interest. We regret that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr