Food Services Support Worker

About the Organization

The Salvation Army has supported people in need across Canada and Bermuda for over 130 years. Rooted in a global Christian church, the organization serves millions of people each year with essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter, while also assisting those facing unemployment, addiction, and family hardship. Its work is guided by values of hope, service, dignity, and stewardship, and it welcomes people from all backgrounds.

Mission

The Salvation Army exists to express the love of Jesus Christ, respond to human need, and positively influence communities around the world.

Role Summary

This position is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals according to menu plans and in line with food service, health, and safety requirements.

Food Preparation Duties

• Prepare and serve balanced meals for guests, following Canada’s Food Guide and the dietitian-approved menu.
• Maintain strict food safety standards throughout all stages of preparation and service.
• Use a variety of cooking techniques such as boiling, blanching, simmering, poaching, steaming, stewing, braising, roasting, baking, grilling, and shallow frying as needed.
• Work with the Head Cook or Manager to rotate stock every three days.
• Monitor and document food temperatures, including time spent in the danger zone.
• Store refrigerated and frozen items correctly, ensuring they are labelled, dated, covered, and placed on the proper shelf.
• Check prepared food temperatures before service and record them.
• Use food efficiently and creatively to reduce waste.
• Plan the timing and sequence of food preparation tasks.
• Record any menu substitutions on the substitution chart.
• Support monthly and quarterly tracking of meal counts and volunteer hours, including making sure volunteers keep timesheets current.
• Take part in job-related training sessions as scheduled.

Health and Safety

• Clean food preparation equipment to a high standard using the correct cleaning products.
• Complete fridge and freezer temperature audits at the beginning and end of each shift using the daily audit form.
• Report concerns and coordinate with the Community Ministries Supervisor as needed.
• Follow hygiene, food safety, and Universal Precautions requirements at all times.
• Keep kitchen, storage, fridge, and freezer areas clean, orderly, and sanitary.
• Maintain cleanliness across the kitchen, dining room, food bank, and food storage spaces, including waste removal.
• Wear a clean uniform and use required hair covering when provided.
• Help ensure the building remains secure and safety standards are met or exceeded when required.
• Use correct lifting, twisting, and reaching techniques to avoid injury.
• Participate in monthly workplace inspections.
• Maintain strong personal hygiene standards.

Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate clearly and positively with staff and volunteers about food service and food safety matters.
• Maintain knowledge of products, services, and market conditions relevant to the role.
• Treat guests, coworkers, and volunteers with respect and dignity at all times.
• Offer appropriate guidance and oversight to coworkers, students, and volunteers when needed, especially when the Head Cook or Manager is unavailable.
• Carry out other assigned duties as required.

Financial and Material Responsibility

• Handle food and equipment carefully and ensure proper storage and use.
• Use department resources responsibly.
• May occasionally be authorized to spend, disburse, or collect small cash amounts.
• Has limited influence on the annual budget.

Working Conditions

The role is usually performed in kitchen, dining, and storage environments.

The following challenging conditions may be present: dirt, dust, temperature changes, limited workspace, job-related stress, hostile or abusive behaviour, verbal abuse, noise, hot or steamy conditions, time pressure, and risk of cuts and burns.

There may also be exposure to minor injury or illness risks from aggressive individuals, infectious diseases, emergency situations such as fire or bomb threats, toxic substances, moving objects, electrical hazards, back strain, wet or slippery floors, and cuts or burns.

Required or suggested precautions include Universal Precautions, adherence to Food Safe Level 1 and 2 practices, use of gloves when needed, annual laundering of uniforms, and training such as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. Hepatitis B immunization and vaccination against tuberculosis and flu are suggested.

The work may involve a small amount of computer use, moving equipment, helping load or unload grocery trucks, standing for long periods, cutting, chopping, carrying supplies, and walking.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Applicants should be willing to understand and support The Salvation Army in Canada’s mission and the way it relates to the role. They must also comply with occupational health and safety legislation and follow the organization’s health and safety procedures. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Required qualifications include completion of a formal post-secondary program of one academic year, Red Seal Certification in food services and food handling, Food Safe Level 1, Occupational First Aid Level 1, WHMIS training, Universal Precautions training, online new hire health and safety courses, and any other training required by contract or the organization. Food Safe Level 2 is considered an asset.

The role requires one year of experience cooking in an industrial kitchen and familiarity with food preparation methods and kitchen equipment.

Skills and Capabilities

Strong spoken and written English, excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, the ability to provide and follow directions, attentive listening, empathy toward guests and coworkers, careful attention to recipes and safety rules, and the discipline to track supplies before they run out are all important for this role. The job may also require a valid driver’s licence with a clean abstract in some cases, background check consent, clear vulnerable sector screening, and completion of online abuse prevention and safety training.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 per hour, with a maximum rate of $30.13 per hour. Final placement in the range depends on market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available on request for candidates who need it.