Program Cook

Position Title:

Program Cook

Hourly Rate:

$28.25/hour; 40 hours per week

Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday, 12:30pm-8:30pm

Reports to:

Kitchen and Volunteer Manager

Job Location:

WISH Drop-In Centre (Vancouver, BC)

Compensation:

This is a non-unionized, full-time position. WISH offers an excellent health and welfare benefits plan: 3 weeks of vacation (pro-rated); 12 health & wellness days (pro-rated); 14 statutory holidays

Job Summary

Reporting to the Kitchen and Volunteer Manager, you are responsible for the safe, efficient and organized operation of the kitchen. You will supervise, manage and support the kitchen staff and volunteers with an inclusive and collaborative management style.

WISH maintains a strong focus on community and operates as a team where staff, volunteers, and participants work together to create a safe haven for our specific population. Food is a right, not a privilege, which WISH upholds by ensuring food is incorporated into all programming and by maintaining a strong kitchen environment that acts as a foundation for the Drop-In Centre.

About WISH

WISH is the largest sex worker support organization in Canada and is located on the unceded, stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. For over 40 years, WISH has been a refuge and an essential point of contact for street-based sex workers in Vancouver.

Many of those who walk through our doors have experienced targeted, gender-based, and sexualized violence and are often dehumanized and stigmatized because of the work they do. They have been impacted by the criminalization of sex work and face significant discrimination due to systemic inequities.

WISH works to improve the health, safety and well-being of cis and trans women and gender diverse sex workers in Vancouver's DTES. For more information about WISH and our programs and services, please visit our website: wish-

Job Duties / Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for program meal preparation and delivery while providing guidance to other staff, alongside the full time Kitchen Manager
• Work with the Kitchen Manager to carry out menu planning, food purchasing, and preparation of meals within the allotted budget.
• Ensure timely and accurate placement of food orders with vendors
• Receive, unpack, and properly store food deliveries according to safety and storage guidelines
• Label and date food items as necessary to maintain inventory organization and food safety compliance
• Plan and/or prepares program meals and snacks in advance for the following day while adhering to Food Safe standards and requirements.
• Manage incoming food donations and work with staff and volunteers to ensure equal access to resources for all programs.
• Train and oversee volunteers in the kitchen.
• Ensure the kitchen is ready to serve dinner when the Drop-In Centre opens and that all programs have food prepared for every scheduled meal and/or snack time
• Maintain the rules and policies of the Drop-In Centre and adhere to the guiding principles of WISH.
• Work closely with community volunteers and partners that come into the Drop-In Centre, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Participate in the performance of the necessary maintenance duties (i.e. dishes, laundry, cleaning, sweeping and mopping) pertaining to the Kitchen.
• Perform basic first aid duties as required.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants in all WISH programs.
• Maintain excellent communication with the Kitchen Manager and WISH Leadership while providing guidance and support to staff ensuring smooth/continual operations of the kitchen.
• Support special events and/or community meals.
• Assist with cleaning and closing the kitchen after meal services.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and respectful workplace.
• Attend regular monthly staff meetings and kitchen meetings.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Alignment with the WISH mission, vision, and core values.
• 2 years experience managing a kitchen, including supervising staff and volunteers.
• Experience cooking in large quantities in a limited amount of time, in monthly menu planning and adherence to standard kitchen procedures.
• Experience in working as a team member with some supervisory responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate and direct staff, volunteers and participants and provide guidance for food preparation.
• Physically able to lift heavy pots, foodstuffs, and large donations, as well as ability to stand for entire shift.
• Food Safe Level 1 or 2 Certificate and Occupational First Aid Level 1 is an asset.
• Flexibility required for schedule and hours.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, budget management, and program coordination abilities.
• A strong feminist analysis of violence against women and gender-diverse folks with an understanding of power and its intersection with gender, race, culture, class, ability, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and age.
• Significant understanding and knowledge of systemic barriers and oppression rooted in colonization, racism, transphobia, classism, misogyny, moralism, ableism and how they impact sex workers.
• Knowledge of the Downtown Eastside supports and services, proven ability to navigate the social welfare, public health, and justice systems, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, housing, emergency medical care, detox and addictions services, and counseling.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining inclusive and collaborative relationships with the rest of the WISH team.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including strong computer literacy in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook, etc.) and internal communications tools such as Slack are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (de-briefing, active listening, conflict resolution, de-escalation, problem solving, supportive) is essential.
• Excellent understanding and experience in creating and maintaining boundaries and supporting staff in doing the same.
• Lived expertise in the sex industry is a considerable asset.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a strong sense of initiative.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills are essential.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and capacity to work in and maintain composure during complex and sometimes challenging situations.
• Criminal Record Check required (please note that charges or convictions that are not considered relevant to working or volunteering at WISH include those related to sex work, addiction or drug possession, or property-related offences).

Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to and