Vancouver

Cook

PHS Community Services Society (PHS) is hiring a casual Cook for our Food Program.

The Food Program Cook works in the kitchen at low-barrier supportive housing projects in the Downtown Eastside. The primary role will be to prepare and serve nutritious meals,  working collaboratively as a member of the team.

The Food Program reflects the PHS commitment to providing therapeutic pre-employment opportunities to residents of the Downtown Eastside. All Cook positions are responsible for working with community volunteering members to support them in their pre-employment experience.

Along with adequate housing, nutritious food is one of the primary determinants of health. Residents of the DTES are largely underfed and malnourished. Good food provides nutrition, pleasure, and a sense of security. The Food Program plays a vital role in promoting a healthy sense of belonging.

The Food Program staff must provide close attention to proper food preparation practices and portioning, while also being attentive to specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

Why work here?

PHS is recognized as North American leaders in low-barrier housing and harm reduction services. We are innovators, highly regarded across the sector, looking for people to join experienced, supportive multi-disciplinary teams.

You will be a valued member of the team, working with colleagues who respect your input.

It’s a CUPE 5536 union position, and there’s access to our family assistance program.

Days only, no evenings/nights!

Responsibilities

Job duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Responsible for meal preparation and providing coffee service for residents.
  • Develops creative ways of serving food in a non-intuitional manner.
  • Demonstrates safe food handling protocols and procedures while preparing and serving food.
  • Ensures accreditation, regulatory and safety standards are met at all times (Health Canada, WorkSafeBC, Food Safe, PHS policies, etc.)
  • Checks food orders for completeness and follows inventory control procedures for tracking and storing and that storage areas are maintained.
  • Helps oversee the kitchen and ensure it’s clean, orderly, and well run, with cooking spaces clean and well organized.
  • Ensures all meals are served efficiently, hot and on time.
  • Ensures food quantities and portion sizes are appropriate.
  • Be attentive to any specific dietary requirements or restrictions that may arise.
  • Attend staff development training and staff meetings as required.
  • Contribute to and help maintain a respectful work environment.
  • Communicate any workplace issues to supervisor in a cogent and timely manner.
  • Work supportively with program volunteers.

Education and experience

  • Valid Food Safe Level 1 Certificate.
  • First Aid and CPR.
  • Minimum three years of experience as a cook in a commercial or industrial kitchen.
  • Relevant culinary or vocational training is a preferred asset.
  • Experience cooking for large numbers of people is a preferred asset.
  • Awareness of the Downtown Eastside is an asset.
  • Grade 12 or equivalent.

Terms of employment

Job Type: Permanent, casual.

Salary: $25.61 p/hr, plus 10 per cent in lieu of benefits

This is a unionized position under CUPE 5536.

Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check.

PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve. We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff. We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.

How to apply

Send your resume to  jobs@phs.ca  today! Please include a cover letter identifying the position title you are applying for, and the qualities and competencies that would make you a suitable candidate.

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