Food Access Worker

**Title**: Food Access Worker -Relief

**Location**: 962 Bloor St West

**Supervisor**: Program Supervisor

**Sistering **is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed.** **Our harm reduction philosophy is a core element of all the work we do. We operate on a trauma-informed and relationship-based model. Our programs include a low-barrier 24/7 Drop In, Housing and Case Support, Harm Reduction, Peer Outreach, on-site Medical Clinic and Spun Studio social enterprise.

***:
Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Food Access Worker -Relief, assists in meal preparation, food purchasing, record keeping and stock management. You will facilitate implementation of participant involvement and volunteers in food programs and meals preparation. You will also assist in maintaining health and safety standards and a welcome atmosphere in the kitchen.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Prepares and/or facilitates the preparation of meals for approximately 300+ participants daily, including the development, communication and delivery of culturally diverse nutritious menus including snacks to participants. Vegetarian and meat.
- Follows menu and maximizes food resources such as utilizing left overs to reduce operating costs.
- Supports the development and delivery of nutritious meals that take into account the food insecurity issues as a result of poverty, harm reduction and trauma which leads to issues such as increased diabetes and other health issues.
- Support Program Supervisor in the monitoring of food service supplies, and in the receiving, handling and storage of purchased and donated foodstuffs and other items for the kitchen.
- Assists with tracking numbers of meals served for statistical recording and reporting purposes
- Follows all operation and procedures including daily checklist
- Provides support and back up as part of the Drop In team where appropriate and as required particularly in crisis intervention and support to participants in the food access program
- Ensure that food preparation, storage and services areas are maintained according to and beyond Public Health Department and Health and Safety Standards. All Food Access Staff share in this responsibility.
- Maintain a safe and welcoming environment through excellent customer service and conflict management.
- Work with Program Supervisor in the resolution of conflicts which may arise amongst the kitchen staff and participates in the resolution outcomes.
- Train and evaluate new Participant staff, report any potential opportunities for growth, any concerns or areas of improvement to the Program Supervisor.

**Other duties as assigned**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Graduate of a two-year Culinary Certificate program or equivalent training or work experience
- 3-5 years’ experience
- Experience working in a Drop In kitchen preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A collaborative team player
- Ability to work independently
- Knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation, safety procedures in food service or residential environment and related educational certification
- Knowledge of Food Guide and menu planning for individuals with varied health issues
- Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver nutritionally sound and culturally diverse meals (meat, vegetarian and vegan options)
- Experience ordering, receiving and coordinating food supplies
- Ability to manage/resolve conflict in a stressful environment
- Strong understanding and/or willingness to learn about client centered, trauma informed, harm reduction and anti-oppression practices
- Able to lift up to 10lbs to 30lbs comfortably, occasionally up to 50lbs

**WORKING CONDITIONS**:
This position works in the office and community. Sistering is a 24/7 operation, fast paced, intense environment. There may be the risk of exposure to potentially unpredictable behaviours and situations. Sistering is a pet friendly facility and as such, employees can expect to be in the proximity of animals.