Role overview

Food/Meal Program Facilitator– Part Time
London, Ontario – Coves Landing
Compensation: $21.72 - $26.03

Position Description: Reporting to the Food Program Coordinator, as a Meal Program Facilitator, you will collaborate with the Meal Program Team to support the execution of the meal program within the London region. You will prepare daily nutritious hot meals for local programs - 150-200 daily dinner meals initially and scaling up with the addition of new programs in the region. You will work in collaboration with the London Food Program Team to ensure healthy, safe, meal delivery to all programs. This includes regular operation of an Indwell van to deliver meals to programs in a timely and safe manner. Indwell programs operate within a collaborative interdisciplinary team model.
This role focuses on food security and nutrition while supporting the delivery of mental health and addiction services to residents, many of whom have experienced long-term housing instability or extended hospital stays. The scope of work may vary from time to time based on individual and program needs. This position requires a high level of resilience and a willingness to work closely in challenging situations.
What matters to you? Being in a work culture that operates out of their core values of DIGNITY, LOVE and HOPE- embracing diversity, promoting equality and inclusion. A place that sees you as a LEADER contributing your individuality to champion the vision of creating communities that TRANSFORM lives.
About Indwell: Founded in 1974, our Christian charity continues to thrive and grow exponentially as we serve people impacted by poverty and homelessness through our vision of HOPE and HOMES for All. We are the fastest growing developer in Ontario creating affordable high quality efficient housing communities coupled with supportive programs to over 1200 tenants to meet their needs of health, wellness, and belonging. To learn more, go to: indwell.ca/our-model
Hours of Work: up to 20 hours per week, including weekends and public holidays, scheduled based on the needs of the program. Hours can be expected to fall between 8am-7pm and will remain relatively consistent. Current schedule falls on Monday, Friday, & Saturday with occasional Thursdays. More hours may be requested for program coverage and if possible, during the onboarding period.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
Meal Program Support

Collaborate with coworkers to support all aspects of food preparation, including daily meal delivery to all London programs
Provide feedback on menu items and recipes
Prioritize cultural adequacy in meal preparation by incorporating resident feedback, respecting traditional food practices, and creating meals that reflect the cultural diversity of the community
Support with the preparation of meals that contribute to the health and recovery of individuals living with or recovering from substance use disorders, including those with related nutritional deficiencies
Be creative with meals in a budget-friendly manner including incorporating donated items into the menu in a timely fashion
Support with maintaining accurate inventory records and minimizing food waste
Collaborate with other Meal Program staff to ensure successful operation of the Meal Program to maintain the best quality food possible
Engage with staff and residents with hospitality
Regularly deliver meals to programs including supporting in the loading and unloading of food storage boxes, ensuring proper communication during delivery, and safe operation of an Indwell delivery van
Conduct regular pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the Indwell delivery vehicle
Support in maintaining a positive relationship with the Middlesex London Health Unit to ensure the effective, safe, and clean operation of the commercial kitchen and food storage spaces, and to ensure safe food handling during meal preparation and delivery
Demonstrate an understanding of food security barriers, nutritional needs, and the cultural significance of food
Recognize and promote the relationship between food and community building
Prepare meals for special events, holidays, and community gatherings
Confidently utilize crisis management and intervention skills
Support resident skill-building and reinforce life skills with dignity
Complete required documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner, maintaining and protecting health records
Maintain excellent quality control and adherence to health and safety standards
Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and supporting diverse individuals and communities (e.g., cultural safety, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice)
Perform other duties as required

Support, Direction, and Commitment to Interdisciplinary Team

Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to residents, encouraging housing stability and food security
Support the implementation of Meal Program goals and activities under the guidance of Meal Program leadership
Contribute to healthy team dynamics, develop and maintain a positive and professional team culture through effective verbal and written communication
Demonstrate initiative, a willingness to learn, and an ability to engage in creative problem-solving
Collaborate with Indwell’s Facilities Team, supporting and reporting maintenance needs to ensure the upkeep of buildings and kitchen
Support administrative responsibilities, including maintaining financial records, accountability, and program evaluation
Adhere to and follow budget guidelines
Participate and contribute to internal teams to accomplish shared goals

Health, Welfare, and Safety Practices

Maintain a safe, healthy, and clean work environment
Use appropriate procedures and complete documentation when responding to emergency situations
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., Health and Safety, Public Health, Infection Control)
Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned
Participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills
Follow applicable regulations, policies, and procedures

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

Minimum 1 year experience working in a high-volume kitchen or post-secondary education in a related field
Good working knowledge of commercial grade equipment is an asset
Experience working in mental health and/or addictions is beneficial
Recent Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with the information therein acceptable by Indwell to meet the operational requirements of the program- at one’s own cost
Current Standard First Aid & CPR Certification from an approved provider that meets Ontario provincial standards or willingness to register for the training within 30 days of employment-reimbursement by Indwell
Strong organization, communication, and teamwork skills, relationship management, and a balance of adhering to and understanding kitchen operations while providing a hospitable environment
Collaborate in promoting and demonstrating the vision, mission, and values of Indwell within the workplace and community
Safe Food Handling Certification (or willingness to complete the course)
A warm, sensitive, and caring approach
Ability to work independently, be flexible, organized, responsible, and take initiative
Physical capability to lift and maneuver heavy objects (e.g., dish racks, bulk food items, delivery bins, and occasional appliances)
Valid G driver’s license and comfortability driving a transit van is required

We want you to thrive:

Vacation: 4% with 2% for HEAL time (sick and personal appointments) accumulated on each pay period
Employee Assistance Program- primary care and professional consulting services
New Staff Orientation Days
Professional and Personal Development- annual Leadership Conference (themed with guest speaker) + Spiritual Ranch Retreat (reflection and recharge with various outdoor activities). Cliffs Strengths Finder Assessment facilitated by People Developer for mentoring opportunities, Lunch and Learn Webinars, Indigenous Cultural Competency and 2SLGBTQ Awareness. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), First Aid/CPR/Naloxone, Therapeutic Relationships and Applied Suicide Intervention (ASIST)
Social Events: Indwell’s Hope and Homes Banquet yearly to celebrate the important work we do + team gatherings

As Indwell works to support diverse tenant populations, we are seeking to create a diverse work culture that closely matches the diversity of our communities with qualified individuals who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives. Our supports, services and employment are open to people from every creed, race, ethnicity, sex, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. And we especially invite applications from Black, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities and intersectionalities. Indwell’s leadership are motivated by the example of Jesus Christ as reflected in Indwell’s statement of faith.
Inspired to JOIN OUR TEAM, we invite you…
To APPLY: Please forward your cover letter and resume to our website: www.indwell.ca/careers. We thank all for your interest; however, only those applicants that are being considered will be notified.