Food Access Worker

**Employment Type**: Full
- Time (Permanent)
**Department**: Housing Services
**Union**: Included (CUPE Local 2497)
**Salary**:Level 3- $26.42
**File #**: 24-HS-31 (1 Open)
**Posting Date**: Aug 22, 2024
**Posting Close**: September 05, 2024
**Location**:58 Sumach Street

The Food Access Worker will be required to work Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Fridays from 8 AM to 4:00 PM.

**Position Summary**
Reporting to the Manager, Supportive Housing Services, the Food Access Worker is responsible for the operation of food programming within the Housing Services department. The Food Access Worker will organize and facilitate efforts to reduce barriers to healthy food access via menu planning, teaching food selection and preparation skills, assisting with food security initiatives and presenting information to groups in order to promote healthy eating. As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the Food Access Worker will work in collaboration with other team members to recruit participants, conduct health promotion activities related to healthy eating, and facilitate and support participant involvement and learning about cooking and healthy eating through the preparation of congregate meals.

The Food Access Worker is required to perform their duties in a manner consistent with Dixon Hall’s Mission, Vision and Values, ensure safety, and demonstrate customer service excellence.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Food Preparation/Cooking
- Prepare nutritious, congregate meals for Housing Services clients at various locations in Toronto’s downtown east side.
- Prepares and handles food and operates a kitchen safely, in accordance with regulations established by the Toronto Department of Public Health.
- Work collaboratively with community partners to provide congregate meals at sites within the community.
- Develop nutritious menu items appropriate to low-income individuals.
- Train and supervise peers, as well as corporate, and agency volunteers in food handling, preparation, and service practices.
- Maintain proper inventory of supplies.
- Purchase and order supplies.
- Maintain all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain safe storage of all food items.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchens.
- Ensure safe operation of the kitchens at all times.

Food Programming/Education
- Work collaboratively with Housing Services staff to develop and implement food and nutrition based programming for low-income clients.
- Work collaboratively with community partners to provide food security programming at sites within the community.
- Promote access to food security programming in the community for low-income individuals.

Organizational Accountabilities
- Work collaboratively with Dixon Hall staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Actively participate in department and agency meetings, and events as scheduled.
- Meet regularly with Manager to discuss individual, team, and program effectiveness.
- Work collaboratively with Fundraising, Volunteer Services, and Housing Services staff to provide volunteer opportunities to peers, individuals, and corporate teams
- Other duties as required.

**Qualifications**
- High School diploma or GED-equivalent.; BSW or other post-secondary education relating to the housing sector considered an asset.
- Food Handlers certification.
- Demonstrated experience in kitchen preparation and congregate cooking.
- Demonstrated community development experience.
- Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong understanding of food insecurity issues effecting low-income and homeless individuals.
- Sensitive to the needs of low-income and homeless individuals.
- Strong written and verbal English language communication skills; other languages an asset.
- Effective at building good interpersonal relationships; ability to be flexible and patient when interacting with clients, peers, and volunteers.
- Strong crisis de-escalation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Emergency First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
- Must be qualified to work in Canada legally for the employer.
- Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a ‘Clear’ or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the Agency.
- Must have up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19 with a vaccine that has been approved for use in Canada.

Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.

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