Cook

**Position Title**:Cook - Shelter/Supportive Housing

**Reports To**:Executive Director/Operations Manager

**Start Date**:
Overview of Organization

The Sooke Shelter Society is registered non-profit charity that is governed by a volunteer Board of
Directors. The Society advocates for the Housing First Strategy and provides shelter, mínimal-barrier housing and support services to those in the Sooke region who are low-income and who are hard-to
- house for a variety of reasons, including lack of affordable housing, poverty, mental illness, substance misuse, racism, other forms of discrimination or abusive family situations. The Society is committed to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have a secure place in the community. The vision is to have a community where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home and can readily access the support they need, when needed.

Job Summary

The Cook prepares balanced, nutritious meals for the clients/residents, maintains the inventory levels of food and supplies, and ensures that the food and supplies are rotated. The Cook maintains an orderly, sanitary work area. Keeps work area organized, keeps track of inventory for weekly supplier purchase orders, basic menu planning and preparation. Performs cleaning duties, receives supplies, maintains records.
- Welcomes all clients with kindness and without judgement;
- Plan and prepare Meal program;
- Order and take inventory of food, beverages, and operating supplies;
- Report and maintain all cafeteria /kitchen equipment with the assistance of the maintenance staff;
- Maintains a safe, clean, well-ordered environment;
- Stay within set budget for both the Healthy Snack and meal programs;
- Adheres to the Society’s standards, protocols, and policies.
- Practices self-care.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Four years of cooking, kitchen and grilling experience;
- Recent, related experience of six months;
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
- Certificates in First Aid and Food Safe;
- Naloxone Training;
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention course preferred.
- Substance use awareness and safety training a significant asset;
- Trauma informed practice training a significant asset.

Skills and Knowledge:

- Ability to cook for a large group;
- Ability to adjust recipes;
- Good food preparation, budgeting and shopping skills;
- Demonstrate proficiency in written, oral and interpersonal communication skills;
- Non-judgmental, respectful, positive, supportive and empowering attitude;
- Interact with residents in a caring and supportive manner;
- Ability to work under stressful situations;
- Community kitchen experience is an asset;
- Ability to take initiative and work with mínimal amount of supervision, set priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
- Ability to work in a stressful environment and in a changing work environment;
- Physical capabilities, which are compatible with lifting, stooping, and standing for long periods in a relatively warm environment;
- Must be well groomed and demonstrate a high degree of personal hygiene;
- Remains calm when faced with challenging or disruptive conduct;
- Maintains healthy personal and professional boundaries;
- Performs effective conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques;
- Possesses both assertiveness and tact when offering cues and reminders;
- Works as a member of a team and contributes to the programs culture.

**Requirements**:

- Completion of a Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector is required before employment commences;
- Understands the philosophy of Sooke Shelter Society and adhere to and reflect the Society’s values and code of ethics;
- Remains on site at all times, except where directed to do otherwise by management, a law enforcement officer, or equivalent; or in the case of a fire, danger, or natural disaster that requires evacuation;
- Attends work as scheduled;
- Must be able to work shift work, weekdays, weekends, days, evenings, including overnights.

Duties
- An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. _
- These examples do not include all of the functions which the employee may be expected to perform._
- Cooks hot meals and prepares cold meals;
- Operates and prepares food utilizing the cafeteria grill or kitchen grill as needed;
- Takes the lead and expedites food service during peak hours of operation;
- Maintains a clean workstation and equipment, observes scheduled kitchen maintenance, and adheres to industry standard sanitation practices in compliance with health regulations;
- Rotates perishable food items, check and verifies food temperatures, labels products with expiration dates;
- Trains and mentors new and less experienced team members in various areas of food preparation, grilling, kitchen maintenance, and expediting; assists with shift coverage as required.

Working Conditions
- The site will be staffed 7/