Food & Nutrition Coordinator

Agency Overview

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children feeling abusive relationships. We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter. We also offer a robust region-wide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse. *WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender diverse individuals.

Position Overview

How do we define a Food & Nutrition Coordinator? The main buckets of work will include;

· Planning and preparing weekly menus that meet nutritional needs, cultural food preferences, and dietary restrictions, in consultation with the residents and staff, and utilizing Canada’s Food Guide

· Purchasing and placing food and kitchen orders within budget parameters.

· Completing food and nutrition intake with each resident and ensure all their dietary and/or cultural food needs are met.

· Cleaning and maintaining necessary standard of cleanliness of the kitchen, including but not limited to, stoves, fridges, ovens, freezers, counters, sinks, floors, storage cupboards, and dining area – all in accordance with accepted health and safety standards.

· Interacting with partners such as the food bank (for orders and food procurement), relationship with donors, cooperating with public health inspector Participate in researching, developing and delivering individual and group programming for residents related to healthy nutrition, budgeting and food preparation.

Given this description we are anticipating the successful candidate would have the following skills and experience;

· Nutrition and Food Services Management Diploma (or equivalent), from a College or University of recognized standing, plus several years of relevant experience in a related field, in the opinion of Women’s Crisis Services management.

· Current certification in Safe Food Handling.

· Minimum of 2 years previous experience - planning and preparing food in an institutional, restaurant or similar setting, along with teaching healthy food preparation and budget management – preferably in a women-centered environment.

· Experience preparing and cooking food from differing cultures and for those with dietary restrictions.

· Training and experience in all aspects of the food industry including nutrition, budgeting, healthy menu planning, food preparation, food safety and sanitation and food storage an asset.

· Experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of food-based programs.

· Knowledge and understanding of the issues and impact of violence against women and their children.

· Knowledge of and commitment to working within an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework.

· Ability to prepare a variety of meals reflecting cultural and food restrictive diets.

· Sound working knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide

· Experience in individual and group facilitation skills.

· Ability to work in a crisis residential communal living environment.

· Continuous priority setting and flexibility in meeting the needs of multiple job expectations.

· Strong organizational and time management skills along with the ability to multi-task.

· Current and informed knowledge of the needs of diverse groups of women and children, such as disability, sexual orientation, survivors of trauma, mental health issues, and addiction issues.

· Experience working with interpreters.

· Experience working with women with no or minimal literacy.

· Current knowledge of and skills in accessing and utilizing appropriate community resources.

· Knowledge of conflict resolution practices and negotiation techniques, as well as the ability to facilitate meetings, direct situations and implement rules and guidelines.

· Knowledge of group processes including the ability to design, plan, and research, facilitate, co- facilitate and implement groups for residents.

General employment eligibility requirements

Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children experiencing domestic violence. We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge.

Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter. We also offer a robust regionwide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence.

We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.

*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

So, the job is a fit, the work is meaningful what about the culture? What makes WCSWR a great place to work?

· A full team of staff that are passionate about the cause and about helping others (strong values alignment).

· A culture of encouragement and celebration.

· Leaders that are committed to continuous improvement and listen to and act on feedback.

· A supportive working environment committed to continuous learning and growth.

· Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development.