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Job Description / Duties

Job Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing DEWC kitchen services for all sites and programs, effectively planning, coordinating, scheduling, managing, and directing the Kitchen program employees. She will ensure that food services meet the funding contract requirements as well as the philosophy, mission, and mandate of the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre. Reporting directly to the Director of Programs, the Kitchen Manager will work in collaboration with other DEWC staff to ensure services to women. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Oversees the recruitment, hiring, orientation, coaching, scheduling, evaluations, training and professional development of Drop-In permanent and casual staff at all kitchen locations;
• Implements staff orientation, evaluation, and staff development and training systems that are specific to the kitchen, staff needs, and demands;
• Ensures that meal and kitchen services are delivered in accordance with the mission and mandate, funding contracts, policies and procedures, job descriptions, and program requirements, and in line with DEWC priorities;
• Maintains up-to-date personnel, and health and safety practices, ensuring that they are in line with the Collective Agreement, OHS, and other relevant policies and legislation;
• Oversees all aspects of the food program at all DEWC sites.
• Works with and supports Kitchen staff to ensure the planning, preparation, and serving of 400+ meals per day.
• Works collaboratively with the Manager of Drop-In Services and Manager of Shelter Services to develop and grow the food program at all DEWC program sites;
• Actively solicits healthy food donations;
• Develops community partnerships, that benefit and support the food program
• Networks with relevant agencies to assist in the development of workshops, groups, and programs such as Community Kitchens, Food Co-ops, etc.;
• Oversees the planning of special events such as the annual Summer BBQ, Mother’s Day Tea, Fall and Spring Dinner, etc., as well as a variety of culturally appropriate food programming.
• Maintains and up-dates kitchen operational documents and manuals, information sharing systems, including bulletin board lists
• Communicates maintenance and repair needs of the kitchen program
• Works with the Management Team and staff in the creation of the Annual Budget and review of financial statements ensuring funds are expended in compliance with the approved budget and funding contracts.
• Attends fundraisers, funders, and other meetings as required by the contract or which support and/or benefit the operations of the Drop-In Centre.
 Other related duties not specified may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Required Qualifications:
• Minimum 2 years related human resources experience preferably within a non-profit, unionized environment
• Excellent kitchen management skills and abilities including knowledge of health through nutrition
• Experience managing staff, preferably within a unionized environment Demonstrated computer and IT aptitude including M365 and ADP
• Efficient organizational skills including record-keeping, scheduling, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills required, including the ability to work in a respectful and cooperative manner with co-workers, and center members
• Must have a strong working knowledge & analysis of the issues impacting women in the dtes, including gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and addictions
• Candidate must work from strong feminist analysis and within an anti-oppression framework
• Conflict resolution skills and practice as well as crises intervention training and experience
• Ability to work within a chaotic environment and with a diverse community of women
• A First Aid certificate is required
• Candidate must undergo a criminal record check
• Women with addiction issues need to be at least 2 years clean and sober
• This is a salaried position that requires some work outside of normal business hours to undertake position responsibilities, meet deadlines, and ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services.

Additional Information

Reports to: Director of Programs

Organizational Status

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre operates on the unceded & ancestral Musqueam, Squamish & Tsleil-Waututh Territories (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ), to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for women from all walks of life, who live and/or work in the Downtown Eastside. To achieve this goal, DEWC provides supportive surroundings with meals, shelter, advocacy and programs which nurture and empower members. The Downtown Eastside (DTES) as a neighborhood is well-known within Vancouver and even across Canada for its disproportionate levels of poverty, gender-based violence, and extreme marginalization. Home to populations made vulnerable including those who are homeless, have a mental illness, and/or with addictions, is also a place known for its creativity, community activism, and tenacity in the face of tremendous stigma. DEWC staff is called to enhance connections and collaboration and promote an atmosphere of safety in all aspects of their work.

DEWC acknowledges that our work environment is directly impacted by all forms of oppression and the impact of colonialism where staff will be witness to women’s trauma and the consequences of injustice.

Contact Information

careers@dewc.ca

Employer Profile

About DEWC
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice, and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized support to over 700 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them.