Cook

**Location**:Milton Safe Shelter site, please note that flexibility to support at the Burlington Shelter may be required from time to time, as well as flexibility to work a flexible schedule dependent on client need and minimum staffing requirements.

**Status**: Temporary Part-time for approximately one year with the possibility of extension

**Hours of Work**:Fridays 10am-2pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2-6pm or Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm

**Classification**:Union

**Rate of Pay**:$21.00 / hour

**Reports to**: Program Manager, Safe Shelter Services

**Applications due by**: July 16, 2025

**JOB SUMMARY**

This position will be responsible for weekend meal preparation and service, and safe food storage. The successful incumbent also ensures the maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen and food storage facilities, per Halton Public Health and safe food handling regulations.

**Responsibilities**

**_Food Preparation_**
- Prepares pre-panned special occasion / cultural celebration events and meals which fall on weekends
- Prepares meals for clients, including morning and afternoon snacks for children.
- All food preparation to be carried out with the principles of cost effectiveness, food safety, and minimization of food waste

**_
Health & Safety, Security_**
- Adhere to all health and safety and public health policies and procedures as outlined by the organization to minimize risk
- Adhere to all safe food handling requirements and expectations
- Adhere to the Safety & Security policies and procedures of Halton Women’s Place and actively contribute to the ongoing safety and security of the safe shelter environment
- Address daily routine duties as required for kitchen maintenance and safety and as delegated by the site’s fulltime Food & Nutrition Worker and/or assigned by the Program Manager, Safe Shelter Services
- Utilize universal precautions at all times
- Other duties relevant to the role, as assigned by the Program Manager

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**
- Previous experience working with and understanding the experience of women and children escaping violence
- Experience in preparing food for a large quantity (20-30) of people.
- Experience in meal preparation, including accommodating for cultural food preferences and dietary restrictions, such as veganism, halal, and kosher, among others, would be an asset.
- Training/experience with all aspects of food industry, including food safety, preparation, storage, and sanitation.
- A compassionate, non-judgmental attitude towards different dietary requirements for women and children and an understanding of the impact stress and trauma may have on diet, appetite, and food selection
- Proven initiative and effective problem-solving ability
- Excellent decision making and strong time management skills.
- High ethical standards and integrity consistent with agency values.
- Ability to work and multitask in crisis situations
- Demonstrated ability to provide non-judgmental and culturally sensitive support to women and children
- Willingness to develop knowledge and skills about intimate partner violence and its impact upon children, women, and the community
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision and as part of a team
- Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in common spaces and demonstrated history of using emotional supports (peers, manager, EAP program) to debrief challenging situations appropriately
- Knowledge of additional languages will be considered an asset

**Education**
- Valid Safe Food Handling Certification (can be obtained upon acceptance of the position)
- Valid First Aid

**Requirements**:

- Clear step one reading of TB test is required
- COVID vaccinations are required
- Clear Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector is required
- Occasional attendance at agency meetings and events that may occur outside regular work hours, with advance notice of time and location
- As part of the recruitment and selection function, HWP will collect voluntary self-identification data from applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, HWP Hiring Practices Administrative Procedure, HWP’s Employment Equity Policy and Ontario’s Anti Racism Data Standards:_
- Personal information is collected under the authority of the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 15, in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56. In accordance with HWP’s Employment Equity Policy, personal information collected on this form will aim to achieve an inclusive, diverse and representative workforce. It works to intentionally identify and remove barriers for equity-deserving communities at each stage of the hiring process. Encouraging diversity of the workforce is vital because the workforce should be reflective and representative of the community._
- Although hiring policies must adhere to the qualification requirements set out in applicable