Cook/Food Services Assistant – Orillia

Job Summary: Assist with the meal program, food preparation, clean-up, and development of vendor, donor, volunteer and other partnership relations, under the direction of the Food Services Manager.

Accountability:  Able to affirm to the vision, mission and beliefs of The Lighthouse by demonstrating commitment to our organization’s values of trust, compassion, leadership, safety and faith with sensitivity to the issues related to poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addictions and developmental disabilities with a commitment to a discrimination-free environment.

Responsibilities:

Meal Program 

• Assist with all aspects of food service operations.
• Assist with the food and kitchen supply inventory list.
• Ensure proper food preparation, handling, storing and serving practices, in accordance with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines.
• Assist with the creation of healthy, inclusive meals for community meal programs (40 people) and emergency shelter meals (60+ people).
• Assist with the kitchen recycling, garbage, and compost needs.
• Help maintain overall cleanliness; dishes, counters, fridges, exhausts, ovens, etc.
• Assist with the general maintenance of utility rooms, kitchen, food service and donation areas. 
• Provide meal programs in a non-judgmental manner that meets the needs of the community and shelter Participants. 
• Be aware of food allergies and other dietary restrictions and assist with ensuring safe alternatives. 
• Safely transport, deliver  and serve prepared food to off-site location, following appropriate food handling, temperature control, and food safety procedures. 

Volunteer and Student Development

• Work with kitchen volunteers and students to maintain a harmonious work environment.
• Assist in training new kitchen volunteers as needed.
• Assist in the motivation and encouragement of volunteers and students.

Donor/Partnership Management 

• Assist in receiving and proper storage of all food from donations and other sources.
• Greet donors, vendors and other partners in a helpful, friendly manner .
• Assist in maintaining the community garden/vegetable planters when applicable.

Reporting

• Report safety immediately.
• Log all inventory and donations.
• Create and submit other reports as requested.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Training in Food Preparation, Hotel and Food Management, or equivalent training and experience.
• Experience in the food service industry.
• Thorough knowledge of food preparation procedures and safe food handling.
• Experience in working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Experience in large quantity/batch cooking for 50+, ability to plan meals, rotate stock, and utilize donated and purchased foods creatively, nutritiously and attractively.
• Understanding of standards, regulations, quality control, raw materials, and other techniques for the effective creation and distribution of food products.
• Ability to work neatly, efficiently, and safely.
• Excellent communication, customer service, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, with compassion and sensitivity to the issues related to poverty, homelessness, mental illness, addictions and developmental disabilities, with a commitment to a discrimination-free environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to adhere to the vision and mission of The Lighthouse.
• Clean criminal record check
• Valid Ontario drivers licence, liability insurance and access to a reliable vehicle is required. 

Working Condition

• On-site meal prep in a commercial kitchen.
• Offsite location for program delivery determined by the County of Simcoe, which may operate seasonally or under specific emergency weather protocols.
• Low-barrier environment serving individuals experiencing homelessness, active substance use, mental health crises, and complex trauma.
• Fast-paced, unpredictable frontline environment where verbal escalation and crisis intervention are common.
• Requires significant standing, walking, conducting facility rounds, light cleaning, and the ability to lift up to 30 lbs (supplies, mats, or food crates).
• Positions primarily involve shift work, including regular overnight, weekend, and holiday rotations aligned with emergency winter operations.
• A pet-friendly environment where daily interactions may occur, as guests may be permitted to bring their companion animals.
• Regular exposure to varying degrees of personal hygiene, environmental elements, and strict adherence to occupational health, safety, and infection control protocols.