Haisla Nation

Position Title:    ELDERS SERVICES COOK

Reports to:         Manager, Elders Services                              

Job Overview

We are seeking a passionate and culturally grounded individual in the role of Elders Services Cook. This role is responsible for the safe, efficient and organized operation of all meal-related services with Elders programming. The Elders Services Cook will provide daily lunches from Monday to Friday, supporting both regularly scheduled luncheons on Tuesdays and Thursday, and programming days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This role will take full responsibility for menu planning, grocery purchasing, food preparations, cooking, serving and kitchen cleanup, ensuring all meals are nutritious, culturally appropriate and prepared in accordance with food safety standards. By assuming these duties, the Elders Services Cook will enable other Elders Services staff to focus on hosting and facilitating programming. On programming days, the Elders Services Cook will also provide snacks and support the delivery of activities for Elders. This includes contributing to a welcoming and safe environment where Elders can engage in social, cultural, and recreational experiences. The Elders Services Cook may also assist with eating and mobility needs, offer emotional support and companionship, and participate in fundraising as needed.

Organizational Status

The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in Kitamaat Village. We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Menu Planning and Food Preparation: Plan menus, purchase food, and prepare meals within the allotted budget and timeline.
• Ingredient Preparation: Wash, chop, and season meat, vegetables, and other ingredients for daily use.
• Cooking: Prepare and cook menu items according to nutritional standards, collaborating with other kitchen staff.
• Advance Meal Preparation: Plan and/or prepare meals and snacks in advance for the following day, adhering to Food Safe standards and requirements.
• Food Storage and Disposal: Store and dispose of food properly to maintain hygiene and safety.
• Inventory Management: Ensure sufficient stock and inventory of food, supplies, and equipment.
• Purchasing: Purchase items from distributors and local grocery stores using the purchase order system.
• Kitchen Cleaning: Participate in cleaning the kitchen environment, including dishes, laundry, sweeping, and mopping.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Comply with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Food Distribution: Ensure that food is distributed in a high-quality and timely manner.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain cooking equipment and report any defective equipment.
• First Aid: Perform basic first aid duties as required.
• Meetings: Attend regular monthly staff meetings and kitchen meetings.
• Stay informed daily on allergies, special conditions or other pertinent information regarding the elders visiting the Elders Centre. 
• Maintain Confidentiality regarding all information related to the elders, families and personnel and fulfill obligations to respect protection of privacy.
• Provide companionship and engage elders in conversation and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.
• Encourage and support elders participating in Elders Centre activities, including cultural events, wellness activities, educational workshops, art and crafts, and social gatherings.
• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment within the Elders Centre.
• Report all incidents, injuries and illnesses to the Manager, Elders Services, or designate and records such incidents in the confidential logbook and as a reportable incident, as required.
• Work cooperatively with the staff team, volunteers, other departments, and community resources to support inclusive practice and address the needs of all community elders.
• Follow all safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of elders and staff.
• Other duties as required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Food Safe Level 1 certificate.
• First Aid, Level 1.
• 1 to 3 years of related experience cooking in a professional kitchen environment or equivalent.
• Experience in caregiving or support role with elders or in a community setting considered an asset.
• Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization an asset.
• Knowledge of kitchen management with the ability to delegate duties and monitor progress.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially with Elders and youth.
• Respect for cultural protocols and sensitivity to community dynamics.
• Ability to perform outlined tasks with minimum supervision. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient with a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of the elders.
• Demonstrates creativity, takes initiative, and brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the workplace, including a sense of humour.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to accommodate a work schedule (with prior notice given to the successful candidate) that may include weekends and evenings.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging situations.  
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful, cooperative and productive working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Valid BC driver’s license and own vehicle is an asset. 
• Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).

Salary Range: $30.35/hr - $37.49/hr

Position Type: Full-time

Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled. 

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.