We are seeking an individual committed to promoting wellness and equitable access to food security for Indigenous peoples and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community to join the Kitchen team in the Relational Care Program at Kilala Lelum Health Centre. Kilala Lelum offers integrated primary care, allied health services, Elder-led cultural care, and Food as Medicine, and a range of specialized programs. Our services prioritize Indigenous cultural healing and Ways of Being/Knowing while being trauma-informed, member-centered, and grounded in harm reduction. We aim to contribute to a health system that is accessible, safe, and reflective of our member’s needs and aspirations.
The Relational Care Program is designed to provide food security, nursing, allied healthcare, and Elder-led cultural care for Kilala Lelum members. Currently, our programming provides roughly 1028 Meals a week to members.
We invite you to join our dedicated team in making a tangible impact in the lives of Indigenous and DTES community members, contributing to the creation of a healthier, more equitable future.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Relational Care Lead, the Kitchen Manager will play a critical role in advancing the mission of Kilala Lelum Health Centre by guiding the Food as Medicine initiative within the Relational Care Program.
This position is responsible for overseeing the kitchen team and providing guidance, support, and oversight to staff. The role is actively involved in the planning, preparation, and service of delicious and nutritious food within the Relational Care space. The right applicant will be passionate about food and provide the team with professional development opportunities, foster communication, and uplift staff, cultivating an atmosphere of respect, diversity, and inclusion where every team member feels valued. The Kitchen Manager will also ensure that food preparation and services align with the principles of health equity, cultural safety, and wellness for Indigenous peoples, and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community. This space is open 365 days a year from 08:30am-1:30pm for daily breakfast and lunch.
Responsibilities:
As Kitchen Manager across Kilala Lelum:
- Oversee the Relational Care Food Program, including: supervising and supporting kitchen staff alongside the Relational Care Lead; creating staff schedules, approving timesheets, and submitting expenses; ensuring successful operation of the RC food program; overseeing the RC kitchen budget.
- Ensure the food storage and preparation areas are clean, safe and meet food safe requirements.
- Menu planning, purchasing and procuring groceries, food, and supplies,
- Create time and space to adequately debrief and support kitchen staff through decision-making and responding to situations that are often ethically complex and distressing.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with our community partners who use the space (ex: DUDES Club) and other service providers in the DTES and beyond, including social and health service providers that Kilala Lelum collaborates with on an ongoing basis.
- Work in collaboration with the HR and Admin Lead and administrative team to fulfill all administrative and management responsibilities related to the RC Kitchen team, including hiring, training, and staff supervision.
- Manage the programs kitchen budget and administrative tasks for the RC Kitchen. Collect data and information for the Board of Directors and funders. Work with KL’s Accounting Manager and Finance Committee to understand and help shape relevant budgets.
- Build relationships with our partners and donors.
- Initiate and implement collaborations with other agencies within the DTES to best utilize community gathering spaces.
- Draft, implement, and adapt policies and procedures to support staff and the accessing of any of KL’s food-related programs.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry. Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture is extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency training or willingness to participate required.
- A degree or diploma in a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (please provide detail in your cover letter).
- Minimum four years’ experience in a community services setting that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, preferably within the DTES. Equivalent experience and training will be considered (please provide detail in your cover letter).
- Leadership training and/or experience is considered a strong asset, specifically in a community services setting.
- Experience in food preparation, menu planning, and managing a kitchen team.
- Ability to be culturally safe when working with staff and alongside members.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to respectful, collaborative problem-solving with team members.
- Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.
- Foodsafe Level 1
Working Conditions:
- Work will occur in person at 606 Powell Street in the Relational Care space.
- Days of work will be Tuesday to Friday with minimal evening/weekend work required as necessary.
- Some administrative duties may be able to be completed offsite.
Supervision Provided:
This position is supervised by the Relational Care Lead and receives support from the Administrative Lead, and Executive Director.
Additional Information:
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
- Hourly salary will be $38.00/hour
- Robust extended health and dental benefits available.
To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by February 14th, 2025. 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 (those without cover letters) will not be considered.
