Kitchen Coordinator (Cook) PT

Kitchen Coordinator (Cook) PT

Reports To: Kitchen Manager

Available Positions: 2

2 Available shifts

Work Hours

1. Mon-Fri 3:30pm – 7:30pm (20 hours per week)
2. Sat & Sun 11:00am – 7:00pm (16 hours per week)

What We Do

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 -24.

We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.

What You Will Do

The Kitchen Coordinator plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, safe, and nourishing environment for youth by supporting the daily operation of YESS' kitchen and hospitality services. This position assists in meal planning, food preparation, inventory management, food safety, volunteer coordination, and special events while helping create meaningful opportunities for youth engagement, skill development, and community connection.

The Kitchen Coordinator contributes to youth wellness by ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals while fostering dignity, inclusion, and belonging through hospitality. The position works collaboratively with staff across programs to support integrated service delivery and youth-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Assist the Kitchen staff in the daily operation of kitchen and hospitality services.
• Prepare and serve nutritious, culturally responsive meals that align with Canada's Food Guide and youth allergy and cultural restrictions.
• Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served according to Alberta Health Services regulations and food safety standards.
• Support meal service for youth, staff, volunteers, community partners, and special events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming kitchen and dining environment.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and reported when repairs are required.

Inventory & Food Management

• Monitor food inventory, kitchen supplies, and equipment.
• Receive, inspect, rotate, and properly store deliveries.
• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies while minimizing waste and maximizing available resources.
• Maintain accurate inventory and kitchen documentation.

Youth Engagement & Skill Development

• Create opportunities for youth to participate safely in meal preparation and kitchen activities when appropriate.
• Encourage the development of basic cooking, nutrition, food handling, and independent living skills.
• Foster a respectful and inclusive environment that promotes confidence, dignity, and positive relationships.
• Support youth participation in hospitality, food preparation, and community meal experiences as pathways toward employment readiness.

Volunteer & Community Support

• Assist in orienting, coaching, and supporting volunteers participating in kitchen operations.
• Promote safe food handling practices among volunteers and participants.
• Work collaboratively with community partners, food donors, and external groups utilizing kitchen services.
• Support fundraising events and community engagement initiatives involving food services.

Collaboration & Integrated Service Delivery

• Collaborate with program teams to meet the nutritional needs of youth across all programs.
• Support cross-department initiatives that contribute to youth health, housing stability, education, and employment goals.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues regarding kitchen operations, food requirements, and program needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and planning as required.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Alberta Health Services regulations
  • Occupational Health and Safety legislation
  • Food Safety standards
  • WHMIS requirements
  • Agency policies and procedures
• Maintain required kitchen records and documentation.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety, or food quality concerns promptly.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in supervision, performance reviews.
• Attend mandatory training, staff meetings, and organizational learning opportunities.
• Contribute ideas that improve kitchen efficiency, food quality, sustainability, and youth experience.
• Support organizational change initiatives and continuous quality improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Youth-Centered Service
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Hospitality & Customer Service
• Food Safety & Compliance
• Communication
• Organization & Time Management
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Accountability

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working in a commercial, institutional, or high-volume kitchen.
• Current Food Safety Certificate.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office and email).
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License.

Preferred

• First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Experience working with youth or vulnerable populations.
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Experience working in nonprofit, shelter, or community food services.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying.
• Exposure to hot equipment, cleaning chemicals, and refrigerated environments.
• Participation in agency events and community functions.
• Ability to work additional shifts to provide coverage as needed is an asset.

Required Screening

Successful candidates must provide:

• Police Information Check
• Child Intervention Record Check
• Proof of vehicle insurance of at least $1 million in liability.
• Clean driver's abstract

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.