Casual Program Cook
- Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families
- 230 McArthur Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 6P5, Canada
Job Description
Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi service non- profit organization serving Inuit children, youth, and their families. We are dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and support services in a caring, respectful, and collaborative environment that fosters strong and proud Inuit children and families.
Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Cook will plan and prepare nutritional daily meals to children age range from 6 to 24 in the Educational Hubs, YLP and Tukimut program.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Menu Preparation/Inventory of Supplies
- Plan monthly menus for all meals which reflect the Inuit cultural traditions and the specific health needs of individual children in the program, (i.e. allergies).
- Ensure menu planning regulations of the Day Nurseries Act are met at all times.
- Record menus on menu plan and post a copy in the kitchen and forward one copy to each family in the program.
- Record changes to menu and post.
- Purchase food and kitchen supplies on a weekly basis in accordance with approved budget.
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for up to 24 children.
- Prepare snacks for special field trips scheduled during programming hours.
- Support the program with all special events, meetings, etc.
- Keep up-to-date and informed about current developments in food storage and preparation.
- Supervise and guide volunteers assisting with meal preparation and cleanup.
- Ensure food/supplies are stored and prepared according to regulations of the Day Nurseries Act and guidelines for food service personnel of the City of Ottawa.
Kitchen Maintenance
- Clean, sterilize and/or disinfect the kitchen area, all dishes and equipment daily and after food preparation.
- Clean and sterilize stove, refrigerator, cupboards on quarterly basis or more often as required.
- Always follow the Food Safety Checklist.
Program
- Work in collaboration with program staff and teachers to develop innovative and creative, culturally appropriate menus and food ideas.
- Ensure any allergies of children in the program are posted in the kitchen and serving area.
Organizational
- Ensure the health and safety regulations of the Day Nurseries Act are met at all times.
- Comply with all policy and procedures of the OICC.
- Attend any meetings and/or professional development sessions as required. d) Demonstrate solution-based problem-solving and effective conflict resolution. e) Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of children/parents in the program.
- Submit time sheets monthly to the Office Assistant.
- Always maintain the confidentiality of families including names, addresses, telephone numbers and any other personal information.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Inuit descent preferred; fluency in Inuktitut would be an asset.
- Professional diploma or degree in Social Work or related field of study.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience providing mental health services
- An acceptable combination of related education, work and life experience may be considered
- Experience in facilitating meetings, navigating mental health and social service systems, advocating to meet client needs
- Mental health first aid and ASIST training considered assets.
- Experience working with families involved with Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. • Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities.
- Knowledge of the needs of Inuit children and families.
- Knowledge of Inuit and non-Inuit community services and supports.
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Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
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Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software.
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Strong organizational, program planning and problem-solving skills
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Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
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Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment.
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Driver’s license and access to a vehicle are assets
Environmental Factors
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Regular physical activity associated with program activities, and carrying material/ supplies
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Mental effort is required to deal with stress related to safety and security of youth and delivery of programming and effectively deal with crisis
Knowledge and Skills
- Written and spoken fluency in Inuktitut an asset
- Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities
- Knowledge of the needs of Inuit youth
- Knowledge of Inuit culture and community
- Knowledge of Inuit and non-Inuit community services and supports
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment
- Ability to function effectively in a high stress, high noise environment
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis situation
- Flexibility, enthusiasm, and commitment to youth
Qualifications and Requirements
- Inuit descent preferred.
- Previous experience working with Inuit or Aboriginal communities an asset.
- Knowledge of Inuit diet, food, and food preparation.
- CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to become certified)
- TB Test and other immunizations up to date.
- Hepatitis B vaccination recommended.
- Physical Examination (upon hiring).
- Police Record Check required.
- Physical ability to access three story building and purchase/carry quantities of supplies in accordance with program requirements.
- “Food Handler” training course from the City of Ottawa required.
- WHMIS training (or willingness to become trained).
- One year food service/cooking experience required.
- Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide, Aboriginal Food Guide, and nutritional needs of preschool children.
- Knowledge of menu planning and sanitation required by Day Nurseries Act. • Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations.
Please apply with a cover letter and up-to-date resume by to: Human Resources Department, at jobs@inuuqatigiit.ca
Note that accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require specific accommodations, please contact the HR Department through the contact information provided above, so that we can make suitable arrangements with you.
When two equally qualified candidates are considered for the same position, preference will be given to the candidate of Inuit descent.
We thank all who apply for this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is dependent upon funding approval.
Inuuqatigiit Centre supports Inuit children and youth in Ottawa, to be strong, healthy and proud community members with knowledge of their culture, connection to the local Inuit community, equitable access to services and supported by their families. We do this through culturally strength-based programs and individualized services for the children, youth and their families that improve their ability to live a good life. All of our programs and advocacy work are rooted in the components of head start and guided by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles.
We are committed to building strength and resiliency within families and within the Inuit community. We believe that families who are healthy and strong are able to raise healthy and strong children.
Tapping into the strengths of families from a place of resiliency and capability is a philosophy that permeates all of Inuuqatigiit programs. The staff of the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families supports the belief that it is a parent’s right and responsibility to be involved in all aspects of the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of their child’s programming.
The philosophy of the Inuuqatigiit is holistic, child-centred and community driven. We recognize that serving a child means serving a family. On a daily basis, we provide a multitude of family support services that includes but is not limited to one on one support, court accompaniment, Children’s Aid Society access visits, individual advocacy and referrals. Our approach is to support a family on their journey to physical, spiritual and emotional well-being by providing a caring, supportive and culturally based hub of services that meets their individual needs.