Kitchen Helper

About Us

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.

We are more than an emergency shelter.

Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports.

All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary's most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.

Department: Kitchen Job Category: Salary

Reports To: Kitchen Coordinator Position Type: Part Time

Direct Reports: N/A Schedule: Mornings, Afternoons

Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building

Position Summary

Reporting to the Kitchen Coordinator, the Kitchen Helper is responsible for assisting the Kitchen staff with all Kitchen operations which include meal preparation, inventory organization, order receiving, cleaning, washing dishes, and meal service. The Kitchen Helper will also provide support to the FGP Main staff as needed with their duties as a secondary priority to Kitchen operations.

Time Commitment

24 hours per rotation with 3 days on and 4 days off, however there will be requirements to be available and flexible from time to time outside normal business hours as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment
• Weigh, measure, mix and assemble ingredients for menu items
• Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (washing, chopping, peeling, cutting etc.)
• Properly handle and store food items at appropriate temperatures
• Ensure food prep area, serving area and kitchen are cleaned and sanitized at the end of shift
• Portion, arrange and garnish food, ready to be served to clients in a timely manner
• Assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods
• Give suggestions to supervisory staff regarding new preparations and menu plans
• Clean kitchen equipment and kitchen before and after food service including weekly and special cleaning
• Sort, stack dishes and load/unload dishwasher
• Sort, stack and store all cleaned items in an organized and safe manner
• Coordinate with other kitchen staff
• Report any mishaps in the kitchen and apply safety standards
• Maintain good working relationship with all kitchen staff
• Ensure all tasks related to the close-down and re-open of kitchen is done in a timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned by Kitchen Coordinator
• Work with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve all necessary kitchen tasks (preparation, meal service, cleaning, etc.)
• Safely transport the goods and materials by any of the DI fleet
• Ensuring PPE levels and protocols are always met
• Load, unload and move donations and materials by hand or with basic material handling equipment
• Ensures trucks are clean in and out, issues reported and documented
• Maintain and organize, ensuring the loading dock downtown and at the Donation Centre is clear and organized at all times.
• Supporting Agency needs; including and not limited to: Clothing, Hygiene, Kitchen, and PPE.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Food Handlers Certificate is considered an asset
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Clean driving, valid driver's license is required
• At least 22 years of age to be eligible for fleet insurance
• Effective time management and communication skills
• Proficient use of computers, Microsoft Office and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery; be proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Capacity to provide leadership
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve programs and processes
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• Must demonstrate initiative and be able to work autonomously
• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Able to lift incoming donations (up to 50 lbs.) and can evaluate whether the donations can be kept or discarded
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

Working Conditions

The individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing and may also be facing substance use disorders and/or mental or physical health challenges. Many have a history of significant trauma.These experiences can influence their interactions with both staff and one another. By recognizing these behaviors as responses to past experiences, we are able to engage with our guests in a manner that is empathetic and respectful.

This role may involve high-stress situations that require resilience, compassion, and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the well-being of our staff, implementing policies and providing resources that support both physical and psychological safety, as well as mental health. We address the immediate challenges faced by our team to provide the highest level of support as well as the cumulative impacts of this vital work. By prioritizing staff well-being, we empower our team to provide the highest level of support to those in need, fostering a culture of care and understanding throughout our organization.

While the work is demanding and requires a strong commitment, those who are drawn to this field often find it to be one of the most impactful and rewarding careers they can pursue. It's about making a difference – one person at a time.

Although the DI is a smoke-free work environment, there may be occasional exposure to secondhand smoke from designated smoking areas nearby.

Why the DI?

The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of those who rely on our services. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every work we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who share this commitment.

Our Culture

Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:

RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others

COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities

KINDNESS: We accept each person's uniqueness with compassion and empathy

WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing

ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.

What we Offer

Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits depending on role and employment type.

Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:

• Vacation days
• Sick days
• Wellness days
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Employer Matching RRSP Program
• Homewood EFAP
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.

Benefits are based on employment type and usually available on the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Vulnerable Sector Check

A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.

Alberta Living Wage Employer

The DI is an Alberta Living Wage Employer. This means we are committed to paying our employees a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate in their communities. A living wage is different from minimum wage in that minimum wage is mandatory and the same throughout the province while a living wage reflects what people need to cover the actual costs of living in their communities. Payment of a living wage is a voluntary commitment from employers to go beyond the minimum. Visit to learn more about the living wage.

The DI is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to and support equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to