Situation:
The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change. We are building a community in which a generation of children and families reach their full potential. Our values guide our decision-making and behavior—we do the right thing, put people first, keep our promises and lead by example.
For over 130 years, we have been part of the community, a place where people of every age and background find the support they need to grow in spirit, mind and body. One of the Lower Mainland’s leading charities, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver provides services in health & fitness, child care, camping, employment & community services to over 120,000 participants annually.
Nature and Scope:
The Cook plans, prepares, and delivers nutritional snacks and hot meals for 30-40 children ages 0 to 5, in a licensed child care program. The cook is responsible for supervising the kitchen, preparing the menu, ordering and shopping for food and supplies, preparing quality meals, and ensuring a high quality of health and safety is met. Reporting to the Manager, Early Childhood and family Development, the Cook oversees the work of a Kitchen Assistant. The Cook works closely with the Early Childhood Educator team to ensure that all components of the food service program are meeting the needs of the children and follow the YMCA’s Playing to Learn curriculum.
This position is benefits eligible, and subject to applicable waiting periods is eligible for: extended health care, emergency travel assistance, dental care, long term disability, prescription drug plan, life coverage, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, employee assistance program, YMCA retirement fund, YMCA employee child care assistance plan, YMCA membership.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare nutritious daily snacks and hot lunch for 30-40 children on a daily basis, Monday to Friday
- Menu plan based on nutritional standards set by the Canada Food Guide and in conjunction with the YMCA’s early childhood Playing to Learn curriculum
- Ensure that all food adheres to allergy plans and that cultural and other dietary restrictions are followed
- Meet all health and food preparation and storage standards as per Vancouver Coastal Health
- Purchase food through distributors, grocery delivery, or in person grocery shopping
- Manage costs and track expenses, ensuring the budget is followed
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, accidents or other relevant issues to the Supervisor
- Clean eating areas, kitchen area and kitchen equipment by following proper cleaning procedures and ensuring the highest level of cleaning standards are maintained
- Lead kitchen orientation for new Early Childhood Educators to communicate best kitchen practices
- Establish and maintain positive daily communication with staff, children and parents
- Attend and participate in staff meetings as required
- Complete administrative tasks related to food preparation in an accurate manner within prescribed timelines
- Manage time effectively to ensure that meals are served on time while also meeting expectations for menu creation, food ordering, shopping, cleaning/kitchen maintenance etc.
- Work with Early Childhood Educators to estimate daily food needs based on attendance
Qualifications/Experience:
- Food Safe certificate required
- Completion of Grade 12 required
- Emergency First Aid certificate (can be obtained within first 30 days of start date)
- 2-5 years of experience in food service preferably cooking for large groups of children, including experience in proper food handling, preparation and meal planning
- Experience working with young children in a child care/recreational setting, an asset
- Experience working independently, and able to self-structure work load
- Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding your start date
- The YMCA has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated, as per the timeline set out by the province
Competencies:
In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies:
Leading Self
- Evolve in Professional Capability – Commit to being better
- Achieve Excellence and Authenticity – Show up with the best version of you
Leading Others
- Develop the Potential in Others – Help people grow and lead
- Create a Culture of Connection – Build bridges between people and partners
Leading Mission
- Think and Act Strategically – Make good decisions and act on them
- Make an Intentional Impact – Advance the strength and cause of the Y
Application Deadline: Until filled
Thank you for your interest and application. Due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Human Resources department.