Are you experienced in food preparation or kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment? Do you bring strong communication skills and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team? If so, we invite you to apply and make a real impact at The Alex!
What We Do
Since 1973, The Alex has been a community-based, not-for-profit organization providing integrated primary health care, community support services, and housing-focused programs to individuals and families who experience barriers to accessing traditional health, housing, and social service systems. Services are grounded in principles of health equity, low-barrier access, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, harm reduction, and person-centered care.
The Community Health Clinic provides team-based primary health care and integrated social supports for individuals and families of all ages experiencing barriers to accessing traditional services, with a focus on comprehensive wraparound care that addresses medical, mental health, and social needs.
Reporting to the Team Lead, Community Programs, and working collaboratively within The Alex Community Programs team, the Kitchen Assistant plays a key role in supporting food programming that brings people together, builds skills, and increases access to healthy, affordable food. This role supports the day-to-day operations of The Alex Community Health Centre kitchen, including food preparation, enhanced cleaning, and program delivery. The Kitchen Assistant works alongside staff, volunteers, and community members to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where food is a tool for connection, skill-building, and wellness.
This is a permanent, part-time position.
What You Will Do
Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations
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Assist with meal production and food prep for programs and community events.
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Follow health and safety protocols in accordance with Food Safe standards.
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Step into kitchen leadership duties in the absence of the Kitchen Coordinator.
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Monitor for and report any food safety or maintenance concerns.
Program & Community Engagement
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Help prepare materials for food-related programming.
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Participate in program delivery, such as meals-to-go, affordable produce markets, and cooking workshops.
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Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for volunteers and community members.
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Contribute to team meetings and help foster a positive, collaborative team culture.
Facilities & Kitchen Care
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Complete daily and monthly cleaning tasks in the kitchen and dining hall, following enhanced cleaning protocols.
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Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and restock as needed.
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Assist with organizing and maintaining kitchen storage areas, fridges, and freezers.
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Perform additional duties as required.
What You Bring
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Diploma or training in a related field (culinary arts, nutrition, or similar) is an asset.
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2-3 years of experience in large-scale food preparation, kitchen operations, or a similar role.
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Food Safety Certification is required.
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First Aid (Standard or Emergency) - Level C CPR/AED; completed within 30 days of hire and valid for a minimum of 6 months.
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Experience working alongside volunteers is preferred.
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Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
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Comfortable working in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.
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Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing barriers related to poverty, mental health, or food insecurity, is an asset.
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Class 5 driver’s license and a clean 3-year driver’s abstract are required.
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A personal vehicle that can be used for work-related purposes or a minimum age of 21 years with three (3) years of driving experience is required.
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A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Check are required.
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Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is preferred.
Work Environment and Hours:
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The Alex Community Health Centre: 2840-2 Ave SE; community kitchen environment.
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0.6 FTE (22.5hrs/wk)
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Standard Hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility in schedule may be available and required.
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Continuous extended periods of standing and walking, with some sitting.
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Occasional driving is part of work duties.
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Occasional climbing and carrying objects (up to 40 lbs.)
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Occasional physical action requiring the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, and kneel/crawl.
What We Offer
Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:
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3-weeks’ vacation
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Medical and Dental Coverage
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Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
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RRSP, Student Loan Repayment Program, and/or Mortgage Accelerator Payment Program (up to 5% match)
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Personal Days
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Floating Holiday
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Sick/Wellness Days
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Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
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Professional Development
Driving on Behalf of The Alex
This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work-related purposes or driving an Alex fleet vehicle. Successful candidates must show proof of a class 5 driver's license, a personal vehicle, and a clean 3-year drivers abstract. Candidates must consent to the possibility of an annual driver's abstract review to meet our insurance provider’s requirements or to maintain $2 million liability insurance on their personal vehicle. Driving a fleet vehicle at The Alex requires that staff are at least 21 years of age with a minimum of three (3) years’ driving experience. Mileage will be reimbursed in alignment with the CRA guidelines.
How To Apply
If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people’s lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex.
This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate’s schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process.
The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters.
In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racialized* or Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).
- The term “racialized” is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms “racial minority, “visible minority”, “person of colour”, or “non-White”.
For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca.
