Cook

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports

The Cook will assist the Food Services Coordinator in the preparation and cooking of food according to recipes, quality and presentation standards while maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment. This worker will also play a pivotal role in engaging and mentoring youth using the culinary setting to teach life skills, techniques and industry standards in order to prepare them for the workforce and independent living.

Key Responsibilities

• Set-up and break down work station.
• Prepare basic ingredients for cooking, including portioning, chopping, and storing food before use.
• Assist in the preparation and cooking of food according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation standards establishing priority items.
• Operate ovens, stoves, grills, and fryers to prepare foods.
• Ensure the quality of the food items and notify Food Services Coordinator if the product does not meet specifications.
• Ensure all meals meet York Region Health Department and York Region Emergency Housing Provider standards.
• Assist in monitoring the quantity of food that is prepared and the portions that are served to control food waste and ensure that good food is not thrown away.
• Responsible for coordinating and preparing meals for groups not included in daily meal rotation.
• Training youth and new staff members on all equipment used with kitchen area to create safe environment.
• Ensure proper portion, arrangement, and food garnish to be served according to standards.
• Ensure bin for snacks is stocked.
• Provides guidance to program staff during serving times and clean up.
• In coordination with Home Base and/or Connections staff, serve food to youth.
• Mentors and supports at-risk youth in developing culinary skills, acts as a positive role model for youth.
• Develops and facilitates life skills program teaching Food Services departmental standards and implement quality standards in cooking methods, presentation techniques, portion control and retention of nutrients.
• Ensures and maintains a healthy kitchen environment by role modeling and teaching health and safety procedure.
• Follow appropriate personal hygiene procedures to ensure food served to youth is safe for consumption.
• Follow and ensure compliance with food and safety and handling policies and procedures.
• Under the supervision of the Food Services Coordinator, liaise with the Public Health departmental to ensure kitchen standards are kept to a high quality, so certification is achieved when audited.
• 2"Perform regular deep cleaning of kitchen appliances and equipment, including the oven, stovetop, and routine cleaning and re-installation of hood filters.
• Fills in for Food Service Coordinator for vacations and other time off.
• Other duties as required.

Education &Skills Required

• Post-Secondary degree/diploma in Culinary or a related field an asset or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (3) years food service coordination experience.
• Current food handling certificate.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification an asset.
• Current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check).
• Car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and $2 Million Liability.
• Ability to make decisions and work independently, reliable, time management and organization skills.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization. Apply Today – We Review Applications as they come in

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360°kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The use of artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by our managers and People & Culture team.