Kitchen Manager (0.8-1.0 FTE)

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join the Kitchen team, part of the Relational Care program, at the Kilala Lelum Health Centre. The Relational Care program aims to provide access to food security, nursing and Allied healthcare services, and Elder-led cultural care to new and existing members of Kilala Lelum. There are approximately 300 members on the food security program and 50 members enrolled in medication management/case management services in Relational Care. Our aim is to provide collaborative healthcare services through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.

Job Summary:

The Kitchen Manager (0.8-1.0 FTE), supported by the Kitchen staff and Relational Care Co-Leads, will oversee and assist the Kitchen team (approx. 4-5 staff) as they prepare breakfasts and lunches for members accessing Relational Care at 606 Powell Street. This role is integral in supporting access to meals for members who rely on the Relational Care program and its staff and space for nourishment, medicine, and cultural connection. The space is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 08:30-1:30.

Responsibilities:

Supervise and assist the Kitchen team in preparing meals for: members (patients) coming to the Relational Care space; Outreach Workers delivering meals to members unable to access the RC space; and community members accessing the Drinker’s Lounge, a Community Managed Alcohol Program run by PHS.
Work closely and collaboratively to develop and maintain partnerships with key community food partners as well as Kilala Lelum community-led initiatives such as the Budzey rooftop garden.
Find opportunities to collaborate with Kilala Lelum’s Food Security Program, Kilala Lelum’s dietician, and the Cultural Wellness program.
Complete ordering (two times per week) of all supplies for the Kitchen and other KL programs, including food, serving/takeout packaging, and cleaning supplies.
Complete administrative tasks including, but not limited to: creating Kitchen schedule and ensuring adequate staffing, submitting bi-weekly timesheets for Kitchen staff, tracking/submitting receipts and expenses to KL’s Accounting Manager, and managing Kitchen budget.
Assist with hiring of new kitchen staff and ensure smooth onboarding and training.
Incorporate, and support as much as possible, using traditional practices, traditional foods, and traditional preparation methods in the kitchen.
Coordinator and oversee food deliveries from suppliers (ex: SYSCO), donators (ex: Vancouver-based hotels), and community partners (ex: Food Runners, Greater Vancouver Food Bank).
Ensure kitchen cleanliness and organization; ensure COVID-related cleaning and sanitation protocols are followed and updated as necessary.
Work collaboratively with KL’s Food Security Program Coordinator and community partners such as Inner-City Women’s Initiative Society to ensure a functional, safe, and productive shared kitchen space.
Ensure proper recycling, composting, and garbage disposal.
When possible, attend KL staff meetings and education sessions.

Qualifications & Skills:

Certification from a culinary school or degree in Restaurant Management and/or relevant education and experience as a kitchen or restaurant manager.
Certified FOODSAFE Level 1 (current certification).
Preferred minimum of two years managing a kitchen, preferably one that serves communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity.
Ability to demonstrate trauma-informed leadership and a willingness to work with community members who have experienced trauma and continue to be impacted by colonial policies.
Managerial experience including overseeing a small team, budgeting, sourcing, and some limited financial reporting.
Ability to lead, inspire, and support staff in learning about traditional food and promoting notions of “food as medicine” and as an essential component of wellness.
Culinary experience including menu creation, meal planning, and ability to purpose/repurpose unexpected items (from donations); knowledge and interest in supporting Indigenous foodways and food preparation of Indigenous cuisine is a priority.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict, manage aggressive behaviour, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
Ability to be culturally appropriate and interact in a compassionate manner with the community we serve.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and maintain good working relationships with KL teams and community partners.
Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial.

Working Conditions:

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position, including remaining on your feet for periods of time throughout the day.
Comfortable communicating with and collaborating across an interdisciplinary team that includes Nurses, Physicians, Outreach Workers, Community Health Workers, and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Supervision Provided:

This position is supervised by the Relational Care Co-Leads and receives support from the Kitchen team, Administrative Co-Leads, and Executive Director.

Additional Information:

Ideal start date at the end of May/early June 2022 to ensure sufficient training.
Hourly salary commensurate with experience, between $30-$34 per hour.
Days of work determined based on program needs to meet requirements of 0.8-1.0 FTE (32-40 hours per week); days of work likely between Monday-Friday.
Hours of work are 07:30-3:30pm.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
Robust extended health benefits available :).

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to lauren.leslie@uihhc.ca. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.