Join the Hulitan Family!
Hulitan Family and Community Services Society is a unique Indigenous non-profit located in the Westshore Community of Southern Vancouver Island. Our mission is to preserve, unify and advocate for Indigenous families by supporting healing and fostering resilience through culturally rooted programs, services, and collaboration with community partners. Hulitan empowers Indigenous families and future generations, walking alongside them and using the cultural principles of Respect, Connectedness, Humility, and Integrity.
We are excited to be opening an Early Years Centre September 2024 that will include an Aboriginal HeadStart Childcare Program with 48 childcare spaces for Indigenous children, a before and after school care, our Journeys of the Heart Program, and Family Support Program.
Position Description
We are seeking a program cook for our Aboriginal HeadStart Childcare program. Practicing in alignment with Hulitan’s four pillar values of integrity, humility, respect, and connectedness, the cook will support the holistic wellness of the Indigenous children and families attending our Aboriginal HeadStart Program by preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks each day in accordance with Public Health and Community Care Facility Licensing regulations.
Responsibilities
With support and guidance from Early Childhood Educators, Infant Toddler Workers, ECEAs will:
- Work collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Manager of Early Years to understand the dietary needs of the children attending the Aboriginal HeadStart programs (including food sensitivities and allergies) and develop weekly nutritious meal plans that align with their dietary needs, and preferences.
- Respect and integrate cultural traditions and preferences into meal planning and preparation, working closely with our Elder and community mentors to incorporate traditional knowledge and practices and offering traditional foods when possible.
- Prepare morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack each day for the two Infant Toddler programs, and the 3–5-year-old program, and snack time each day.
- Serve meals and snacks in a timely and efficient manner, promoting positive eating behaviors and encouraging children to try new foods and explore different tastes and textures.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment ensuring proper storage, handling, and disposal of food and kitchen supplies.
- Maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation in all food preparation and storage areas, following regulatory guidelines and best practices to prevent contamination and ensure the health and safety of program participants.
- Monitor inventory and order and purchase food and supplies necessary for meal preparation, ensuring ingredients are fresh, of high quality, and within budgetary constraints and food waste is minimized.
- Track expenses to stay within program budget.
- Maintain accurate records of food inventory, meal preparation, cleaning, and temperature logs, as required by licensing regulations, Public Health regulations, and program protocols.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
The successful candidate will possess experience that will satisfy all or most of the following:
- Knowledge of Food Service Industry standards of practice.
- Knowledge of nutrition principles, food safety regulations, and nutrition guidelines for young children, with a focus on promoting healthy eating habits.
- Understanding of the importance of healthy, whole, nutritious meals for child development and the holistic wellbeing of Indigenous children and families.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritize tasks effectively while working independently and on a timeline.
- Clear, transparent, and collaborative communication skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and understand the limits to confidentiality.
- Commit to continual work and reflection on decolonizing practice in work with children and families and speak to the actions you are taking.
- Demonstrate knowledge about which local territory our program is being facilitated and commit to learning about the cultures of the children you will be providing nutrition to.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The successful candidate will possess education and experience that will satisfy all the following:
- Valid Food Safe Certificate
- A clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable people sector).
- A current and valid first aid certificate with infant and child CPR (or be willing to obtain one as part of the training before commencing work).
- Record of immunization history.
- Experience working as a cook in a commercial kitchen regulated by Public Health.
- Experience working in a licensed childcare setting an asset.
- Experience working with Indigenous families a strong asset.
What We Give in Return:
We recognize the importance of family and wellness while doing this challenging work. Staff at Hulitan have 15 vacation days yearly, 12 sick days yearly, and an additional 6 sick days for those with children under the age of 12. In addition, you have access to support from our resident Elder and our Cultural Connections Coordinator and frequent opportunity for ongoing training. A comprehensive benefits package and RRSP contribution of 4% of your annual salary are provided for all permanent staff working 21 hours per week or more. Hulitan Early Years staff receive reflective supervision once per month and frequent team and peer check-ins. We offer a supportive collaborative environment that fosters personal growth, and lasting connections.
Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry
Please submit your resume and cover letter attention to:
Sarah McDonald, Manager of Early Years
Email: smcdonald@hulitan.ca
Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Closing date is June 14th, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Starting wage is $25.00 per hour.
