Casual Kitchen Helper

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Kitchen Helper is responsible for assisting the Food Services Manager and Kitchen Supervisor with daily routine tasks to keep the kitchen organized, clean and safe for food preparation.

Accountabilities:

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar duties to the listed below:

• Maintain a high level of cleanliness at all times within the kitchen and storage areas.

• Sort donations and deliveries; liaise with the Driver/Loading Dock Worker when they bring the donated and/or delivered goods

• Regularly clean and organize food storage units including coolers and freezers

• Ensure regular inventory of purchased and donated items is complete

• Check compost, recycling and garbage bins around kitchen and replace if needed

• Ensure the safety of clients through proper handling of food according to food standards

• Practice first in first out for all donated and purchased food items

• Follow legislative procedures and The Salvation Army standards for clean and dirty dishes

• Ensure appropriate disposal of food waste in accordance with regulations

• Assist with dishwashing duties when needed

This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities as required and assigned by the Food Services Manager and/or Kitchen Supervisor.

Kitchen Helpers may be cross-trained with Bus Persons and Dishwashers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Candidates must be comfortable with working in Vancouvers downtown eastside and in a multi-program facility. Our programs include community meals, 24-hour and overnight shelters, residential addiction treatment, a correctional residential facility for men on parole, low-income housing, and other services.

• This positions work environment is typically in a kitchen in a residential social services facility.

• Workers must wear appropriate safety equipment as required by The Salvation Army, such as non-slip footwear.

• This position will work under the following disagreeable conditions:

  • Dealing with angry people, verbal Abuse

  • Hot/Steamy and wet environment

  • Noisy

  • Crowded in some cases

  • Pressure with timelines

  • Risk of cuts, burns

  • Entering freezers and walk-in coolers

• The performance of the job requires:

  • Standing for long periods of time

  • Frequent walking, carrying, bending, reaching (incl. overhead), lifting, stooping, stretching, and spending time in freezers/walk-in coolers

  • Lifting up to 50lbs

  • Frequently transporting goods in loaded carts or speed racks

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Armys Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Armys health and safety policies and procedures.

• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Criminal Record Review Program clearance is required for all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• High school completion

• Current certification in WHMIS, FoodSafe, Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained)

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Six months of prior related experience, including institutional kitchen experience or equivalent.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the homeless and individuals with substance abuse and concurrent problems, including mental health concerns.

• Basic interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to follow instructions in verbal and/or written English.

• Additional language skills are an asset

Wage Rate:

Probationary: $24.05 per hour

Hours: This is a casual/on-call position.

Kitchen Helper shifts can be 7 days a week, 6.30am-2.30pm, each shift is 7.5 paid hours with a 0.5 unpaid meal break.

Candidates will need to have weekend availability.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.