Are you a person who is a self-starter, with a passion for working with a growing non-profit organization that supports Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness? The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is seeking a Kitchen & Garden Coordinator to lead the preparation of daily meals and support culturally grounded food programming at our Culturally Supportive Youth Care Home. This role is responsible for preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals; maintaining a safe, clean kitchen; tending on-site garden spaces; and offering hands-on food literacy and life skills education to Indigenous youth (Family Members) living in the home. With a focus on traditional foods, cultural connection, and trauma-informed practice, this role helps foster a sense of stability, belonging, and wellness through food.

We are a non-profit, registered charity and culturally supportive housing provider dedicated to supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our work is Indigenous-led and governed and centers around the voices of those who have shared their experiences, immediate needs, and solutions. Through building partnerships locally and island-wide, we identify and address systemic and structural barriers and share information, resources, and lessons learned while providing Indigenized harm reduction and cultural support services and housing.

Our Vision: Our way is to care for all our people, from the youngest to the oldest. We are all one. Some of our people living away from home are suffering, isolated and homeless. We stand together to end homelessness.

Application Submission: You are required to submit a resume that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens.

Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry. The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.

Applications will be received until positions are filled. Only qualified candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed.

Job Details:

Position Type: Part-time. Saturdays and Sundays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Wage: $28.84 per hour

Start Date: Immediate

About the role:
The Kitchen & Garden Coordinator is responsible for supporting the daily nutritional and cultural needs of up to six First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis youth residing in the Aboriginal Coalition’s Culturally Supportive Youth Home. This position ensures the preparation of three nutritious, homemade meals each day, regularly incorporating traditional foods and aligning with the nutrition standards for Community Care Facilities. In addition to meal preparation, the Kitchen & Garden Coordinator oversees weekly grocery shopping, maintains the on-site gardens, and ensures the kitchen facilities are clean, safe, and welcoming. A key focus of this role includes providing culturally supportive education to youth (referred to as Family Members) on food literacy, healthy eating, and kitchen hygiene. The Kitchen & Garden Coordinator plays a central role in fostering a sense of family through shared meals and building independence among Family Members through life-skills programming.

Deliverables:

• Prepare three daily meals and evening snacks for up to six Family Members, following rotating Seasonal Menus and scheduled mealtimes. Meals are ideally served family-style in the dining room, with to-go meals prepared as needed (i.e., school, event days).
• Prepare personalized treats to celebrate milestones (i.e., birthdays, graduations, sobriety dates etc.)
• Collaborate annually with the House Manager to review and revise Seasonal Menus to reflect cultural preferences, nutrition standards, and Family Member feedback.
• Prioritize nutritious, healthy meals that incorporate traditional foods and preparation techniques.
• Safely prepare meals while accommodating allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions, staying up to date with information provided by the House Manager.
• Purchase groceries and manage food inventory within the budget and aligned with Seasonal Menus.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen in accordance with all health and safety standards.
• Care for the on-site medicine and vegetable gardens, integrating harvested items into meals.
• Ensure the kitchen remains a respectful, inclusive space, especially when used for learning activities with Family Members.
• Lead "Being a Good Neighbour" initiatives (e.g., holiday baking, community BBQs).
• Maintain respectful, effective, open, and honest communication with the Family Members, co-workers, and Manager. Take initiative to build positive relationships and rapport with Family Members.
• Organize and facilitate weekly life-skills sessions focused on food security, preparation, and nutrition to support youth in developing independence.
• If required, provide conflict resolutions between Family Members using de-escalation and crisis intervention training and best practices.
• Report notable interactions impacting Family Members’ wellness (e.g., emotional, behavioral, nutritional) to the House Manager.
• Document meal consumption and track nutrition-related information using the Case Management Administration System (CAMS) as required for licensing.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including deep cleaning, moving kitchen inventory, organizing, lifting heavy objects, etc.
• Responsible for reviewing and adhering to all ACEH policies and procedures.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the House Manager.

Requirements:

• Required caregiver screening by the Ministry of Child & Family Services’ Hub. Screening submission will include at a minimum, Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Record Information and Consent for Prior Contact Form.
• Required Valid First Aid and CPR from a course that meets the requirements of Schedule C.
• Required Food Safe Certificate.
• Required Naloxone Overdose Training from a certified healthcare professional.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Minimum 2-years working with Indigenous youth and/or providing care.
• Preference given to those who have worked with Indigenous peoples and have training/education in relevant Indigenous post-secondary.
• Preferred Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification.
• Experience or personal insights working cooperatively with people with disabilities, lived experience, and addictions considered an asset.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations, family support, social services, and Indigenous support services and programs considered an asset.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Progressive understanding of persistent mental illness, addictions, and other challenges and how these impact people’s overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
• Ability to work in a professional and non-judgmental manner as you are working with a broad range of personalities, needs, cultures, lived experiences and abilities.
• Ability to effectively respond and adjust to unexpected events, assess high risk situations, problem-solve, provide crisis intervention, and manage conflict in a culturally supportive manner.
• Ability to work independently and effectively respond to and manage competing demands while adhering to deadlines.
• Effective written, electronic, and verbal communication skills to facilitate interprofessional collaborative practice, healthy and culturally safe environments, and a respectful workplace for community members, staff, guests, and volunteers.
• Use a de-colonized harm reduction approach in addressing situations.