Early Years Cook

Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi-service non- profit organization serving Inuit children, youth, and their families. We are dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and support services in a caring, respectful, and collaborative environment that fosters strong and proud Inuit children and families.

Position: Early Years Cook

Hours: 37.5 hours – Monday-Friday – Shift to be determined
Salary Range: $38,005.00 - $47,980.44 per annum + benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Early Years Manager the Child Care Cook will plan, purchase, and prepare nutritional daily meals and snacks for the children in the Childcare program total 49 children. This will be done in accordance with Canada’s Food Guide and the Certified Food Handler training.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Menu preparation and inventory of supplies;

• Plan/follow monthly menus for all meals which reflect Inuit cultural traditions and the specific health needs of individual children in the program (e.g.,allergies and dietary restrictions);

• Ensure menu planning regulations of the Child Care Early Years Act and Canada’s Food Guide are always met;

• Record menus on menu plan and post copies in applicable areas;

• Purchase food and kitchen supplies on a weekly basis in accordance with approved budget;

• Maintain an inventory of supplies, equipment, and materials;

• Support and mentor assistant cook;

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and morning and snacks for all the children (49 total);

• Guide and train assistant cook in all aspects of kitchen management;

• Support the program with special events, meetings, as required;

• Supervise and guide any volunteers or students assisting with meal preparation and clean up;

• Always follow the Food Safety Checklist and sanitary practises including food storage and Child Care Early Years Act regulations;

• Clean, sterilize and/or disinfect the kitchen area, all dishes and equipment daily and after food preparation;

• Always keep a clean and sanitary work area including cleaning and sanitizing all areas, appliances, cupboards regularly;

• Prepare for regular health inspections by City of Ottawa; and

• Manage waste and recycling in kitchen area.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

• Knowledge of Inuit culture and community;

• Knowledge of cultural foods and preparation techniques; and

• Inuit descent preferred

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop supportive and professional rapport with Inuuqatigiit Centre staff;

• Participate in problem-solving and conflict resolution when required;

• Foster positive relationships with participants using well known elements of relationship buildings (e.g. attentive listening, empathy, non-judgmental);

• Work in collaboration with the manager, program staff and teachers to develop innovative and creative, culturally appropriate menus and food ideas;

• Participate in team meetings when required; and

• Assist in the planning and organization of Inuuqatigiit Centre’s community events (e.g. Inuit Day, Christmas Party, Kindergarten graduation, AGM).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work regular and consistent weekly hours of work;

• Some evening work may be required related to delivery of program; and additional hours on occasion to prepare meals for community events

• Physical ability to access three-story building;

• Ensure personal safety precautions are observed at all times; and

• Ensure Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 Pandemic are followed at all times.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of Inuit diet and food and food preparation;

• Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide, Indigenous Food Guide, and nutritional needs of pre-school children;

• Knowledge of menu planning and sanitation process required by Day Nurseries Act; and 

• Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Inuit descent preferred;

• Secondary School Diploma or equivalent;

• Food Handlers training certificate;

• Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities preferred;

• Police Records Check-Vulnerable Sector Check required;

• Medical certification of good health and record of up-to-date immunizations;

• First Aid/CPR Certification (or willingness to become certified).

• TB test, if applicable

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 &2);

• Comply with all Policies and Procedures of Inuuqatigiit Centre including Oathof Confidentiality; and

• Possession of a valid driver’s licence

Position will remain open until filled. Please apply with cover letter and up-to-date resume to: hrmanager@inuuqatigiit.ca

Shelley Watkin, Human Resources Manager
Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families 230 McArthur Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1L 6P5

We thank all who apply for this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

When two equally qualified candidates are considered for the same position, preference will be given to the candidate of Inuit descent.