Cook Nutrition Specialist

Hours: 35 hrs/week

Range: $42,691- $69,628

Location: 111 Spadina Rd., Toronto

Classification: Permanent Fulltime

Position: Unionized

**Summary**:
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring, and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Indigenous people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child-centered, family-focused, and community-driven.

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Under the direction of the Supervisor, Transitional Housing, the Cook (Nutrition Specialist) will:

- Prepare 3 nutritious meals a day including snacks in our kitchen within the Indigenous Youth Shelter.
- Plan menus for small and large groups within a limited budget and prepare the meals as required maintaining the integrity of the food program and nutritional content of meals.
- Order appropriate quality and quantity of food required from approved distributors. Receive and check the food delivery for accuracy and completeness.
- Manage all aspects of the kitchen including proper food storage, food distribution, inventory control/replenishment, and overall safety and cleanliness of the kitchen(s) and food storage areas in compliance with Public Health and Shelter Standards.
- Collaborate with program staff to plan menus, determine the quantity of food required, and the preparation of meals for various program participants.
- Facilitate workshops specific to nutritional, traditional, and healthy food choices
- Please be advised that this position requires flexibility and the ability to develop a schedule that best supports the program needs with the program supervisor.
- Provide support to frontline staff at the Indigenous Youth Shelter and assist with the general delivery of services.
- Provided individual support to youth in need through crisis intervention, dispute resolution, and other supportive interventions.
- Represent NCFST at the community level by assisting in community cultural events in the above capacity.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned

**Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills**:

- Food Handling Certification is required. Excellent knowledge of food handling and preparation is required.
- Post-secondary education in food services or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Post-secondary education in the human services field (BSW, CYW, SSW) would be an asset.
- Ability to provide an acceptable Child Welfare Check with Vulnerable Person Sector Search (VPSS).
- Pass a police record check (Vulnerable Sector)
- Current CPR and First-Aid certificate or willing to complete prior to commencement of employment.
- A valid (G) Driver’s License would be an asset.
- Lived experience with Indigenous Culture, traditions, beliefs, values, ceremonies, and teachings would be considered an asset.
- Connection to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities and knowledge and awareness of the diverse urban Indigenous population.
- Strong understanding and practice of Indigenous approaches to healing, including land-based practices and cultural knowledge including traditional foods.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; organizational skills; initiative, and respect for confidentiality.
- Ability to prioritize and organize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable learning new technology systems and implementing data management processes.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to integrating the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Mission and values into practice, service, and relationships.
- Demonstrated understanding of Workplace Health and Safety practices and understanding of an employee’s responsibility under current legislation.
- Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff to maintain effective communication and working relationships, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, tact, and sensitivity and building strong internal relationships.
- NCFST requires all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario

**About Native Child and Family Services of Toronto**:
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.