Kitchen Cook Jobs

About Us

The Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (“the DI”) is a low-barrier, housing-focused shelter that serves some of the city’s most vulnerable people. At the DI, we focus on providing a person’s basic needs, while doing everything possible to find them a permanent, safe home that meets their individual needs. There is no greater contribution you can make to another person’s path of recovery and wellness than an ongoing, consistent, positive relationship of respect and kindness. The DI works within the core values of housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction to support staff and guests.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Kitchen Coordinator, the Kitchen Supervisor is responsible for aiding in leadership of daily operations, staffing, ordering, and facilitating smooth operations in meal service delivery for the DI.

Time Commitment

40 hours per rotation with 5 days on and 2 days off, however there will be requirements to be available and flexible from time to time outside normal business hours as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods
• Ensure all tasks related to the close-down and re-open of kitchen is done in a timely manner
• Portion, arrange and garnish food, ready to be served to clients in a timely manner
• Clean kitchen equipment and kitchen before and after food service including weekly and special cleaning
• Season and cook food according to recipes using various kitchen utensils and equipment
• Give suggestions to supervisory staff regarding new preparations and menu plans
• Sort, stack dishes and load/unload dishwasher
• Perform other duties as assigned by Kitchen Coordinator
• Observe and test food to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently using methods such as tasting, smelling or piercing them with utensils
• Maintain good working relationship with all kitchen staff
• Coordinate with other kitchen staff
• Sort, stack and store all cleaned items in an organized and safe manner
• Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (washing, chopping, peeling, cutting etc.)
• Weigh, measure, mix and assemble ingredients for menu items
• Report any mishaps in the kitchen and apply safety standards
• Ensure food prep area, serving area and kitchen are cleaned and sanitized at the end of shift
• Properly handle and store food items at appropriate temperatures
• Set up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment

Required Competencies And Qualifications

• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve programs and processes
• Minimum of two years’ kitchen experience
• Capacity to provide leadership
• Able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Effective time management and communication skills
• Food Handlers Certificate is considered an asset
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Proficient use of computers, Microsoft Office and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery; be proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• Must demonstrate initiative and be able to work autonomously
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills

Working Conditions

Front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm, and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in emotionally charged and/or high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Exposure to bodily fluids may also occur.

Why the DI?

The DI aims to be an “Employer of Choice” and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of those who rely on our services. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every word we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who share this commitment.

Our Culture

Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:

RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others

COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities

KINDNESS: We accept each person’s uniqueness with compassion and empathy

WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing

ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.

What We Offer

Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits depending on role and employment type.

Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:

• Sick days
• Wellness days
• Employer Matching RRSP Program
• Vacation days
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Homewood EFAP
• Extended Health and Dental coverage

Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.

Benefits are based on employment type and usually available the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, Human Resources will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Alberta Living Wage Employer

The DI is an Alberta Living Wage Employer. This means we are committed to paying our employees a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate in their communities. A living wage is different from minimum wage in that minimum wage is mandatory and the same throughout the province while a living wage reflects what people need to cover the actual costs of living in their communities. Payment of a living wage is a voluntary commitment from employers to go beyond the minimum. Visit to learn more about the living wage.

The DI is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to and support equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to [email protected]

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