FT Cook Helper - Child Care

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency who proudly operates Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre.

Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation; where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities.

Our centre offers licensed child care and a nurturing environment for up to 88 children, ages 0-6, to learn, develop, and connect with their Indigenous culture. Our Child Care Centre is adjoined with our Family Centre that provides a place for young children, families and youth to participate in ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and connect with community supports.

Position Summary

The Cook Helper will work along side the Cook nutritional meals for up to 88 children following the Canada Food Guide, including Indigenous foods on a rotating basis according to the daily schedule of each classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool) while keeping in mind any food intolerances and/or allergies.

The Cook Helper is a knowledgeable about maintaining health and safety in the preparation of the daily menu and of the use, maintenance, and upkeep of the industrial kitchen appliances. The individual is knowledgeable of the ordering, proper storage and cooking of foods and conducts housekeeping tasks necessary to maintain the kitchen in an organized, clean, safe and hygienic conditions at all times.

Requirements

· High School Diploma/GED

· Safe Food Handler Certification

· Obtain/maintain a clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment.

· Valid government issued driver’s license/or access to reliable transportation

· Up-to-date immunization and records

· Must be able to meet the legislative requirements for working in a licensed childcare setting

· Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies

Experience and Knowledge

· 2 years’ experience working in an institutional setting.

· A demonstrated commitment to language revitalization and reclaiming cultural identities, experience as an Indigenous language learner an asset

· Knowledge of the Indigenous histories, cultures, creation stories, and language of the Indigenous population in the London area

· Experience working with traditional Indigenous foods.

Responsibilities

· Maintains a safe and healthy environment, in accordance with the City’s Health Code in collaboration with the Cook.

· Food preparation for the menu with respect to our cultural foods and in accordance with the Canada Food Guide, in consideration of the Centre’s food budget and in consultation with the Cook for up to 88 children from 0-6 years of age

· Prepare, deliver, and collect snack/meals/lunch trays to/from all on-site programs.

· Receive food orders while verifying all ingredients received from vendor to ensure accuracy, quality, and expiration (all ingredient identification, allergen labels, etc.)

· Clean/sanitize dishes and equipment during and after production usage.

· Other duties as required or assigned by the CEO; Director, Nshwaasnangong; Nshwaasnangong Childcare & Family Centre management team or designate.

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre

Please note that this is full-time @ 35 hours (5 days) per week. This position may be required to work additional hours and/or weekends to accommodate child care ratios. Salary is subject to experience. Comprehensive benefit and pension (HOOPP) package included.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume before the closing date to careers@soahac.on.ca.