Cook/Nutritionist

Company: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Job Description

 

Job Title:      Cook/Nutritionist 

Reports To: Early Years Program Manager 

Term:             Full-time, Permanent – 40 hours per week, 12 months per year 

Hours:           7 AM – 3 PM, Monday to Friday (flexibility required)

 

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg provides holistic programs and service for Indigenous children, youth, families, and community that are rooted in culture and language. Our vision is Strong Cultural Identity and Healthy Families. 

 

Position Overview 

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg offers holistic programs for Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities, rooted in culture and language. Our vision is to deliver high-quality programs that foster identity formation and a sense of belonging. The Cook/Nutritionist will plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children’s programs, supporting their nutritional needs with guidance from Canada’s Food Guide and the Indigenous Food Guide.

 

Key Responsibilities 

 

Meal Preparation and Nutrition

• Plan and prepare daily nutritious meals and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschool children in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
• Manage food preparation and storage to comply with Hamilton Public Health and Niwasa standards.
• Document meals, daily water flushing, and monitor fridge, freezer, and meat temperatures.

 

Health and Safety Compliance 

• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, including regular cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces, equipment, and appliances.
• Check sanitizer to meet a minimum of 82 degrees on the sanitization cycle.
• Follow proper storage and handling for all food items as per Public Health guidelines.
• Coordinate with the Childcare Leadership Team to display and adhere to allergy restrictions in kitchen and classrooms.

 

Program and Community Engagement

• Lead sessions on healthy eating habits (e.g., Little Chefs, Make and Take) for families in the EarlyON Child and Family Centre, in coordination with the Early Years Manager.
• Support parent meetings, dinners, and fundraising events as needed.
• Engage caregivers in understanding and promoting healthy nutrition.

 

Inventory and Ordering

• Conduct weekly and monthly ordering of food supplies and equipment with Childcare Administrative staff.
• Ensure continuous supply of hand soap, dish soap, paper towels, and disinfectants.

 

Additional Duties

• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and staff meetings.
• Complete and submit monthly menus and bi-weekly timesheets.
• Report any maintenance needs for kitchen equipment.
• Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend shifts as required.
• Other duties as assigned

 

Job Competencies 

• Knowledge of Canada and Indigenous Food Guides and nutrition guidelines.
• Strong understanding of historical and intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples.
• Ability to maintain high levels of self-awareness, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution, and prioritization skills.

 

Working Conditions 

• Primarily works in a preschool/early learning environment, with occasional outdoor activities.
• Regular interaction with children, family members, staff, visitors, and government agencies.
• Local travel as required and occasional overtime.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs daily.

 

Qualifications 

• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate
• Valid First Aid and CPR C Certificate
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (within the last six months)
• Up-to-date immunizations (including MMR, DTaP, and TB testing)
• Medical clearance
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an early childhood education environment
• Strong understanding of First Nations culture and community needs

 

Benefits 

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Positive, mission-driven workplace culture.

 

To Apply 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references by Friday November 29, 2024, to info@niwasa.ca. Be sure to highlight relevant experience and why you are passionate about supporting our mission.

 

Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.