Position Summary
Seabird Island is committed to fostering health and wellness within our community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Food and Nutritional Wellness Worker to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the nutrition and well-being of participants in our programs.
The Food and Nutritional Wellness Worker plays a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of program participants through nutritious, culturally informed meal preparation and food service practices. Under the direction of the Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead, this position is responsible for meal planning, food preparation, and kitchen operations in accordance with client dietary needs, Food Safe standards, and applicable licensing requirements. This role also contributes to creating a welcoming and inclusive food environment that supports recovery, wellness, and connection, while collaborating with clinical, cultural, and wellness team members across the organization.
What You'll Do
Meal Preparation and Nutrition Wellness Oversight
- Prepare balanced, nutritious meals and snacks that support the health and wellbeing of program participants.
- Plan and coordinate breakfast offerings (menu planning and preparation).
- Prepares food items for lunch, dinner, and snacks using a variety of cooking methods.
- Estimate ingredients and quantities required; prepare, cook, and test food items for quality and palatability.
- Incorporate traditional First Nations foods into meal plans where possible.
- Implement appropriate menus for clients that align with dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions by gathering necessary information from client’s chart, logbooks, clients, client’s family, and other members of the care team.
- Follow Canada’s Food Guide and collaborate with the supervisor and Registered Dietitian to support appropriate nutritional standards.
- Monitor clients' food and fluid intake and report concerns to nursing staff or the supervisor as required.
Strategic and Culturally Grounded Meal Planning
- Support the development and implementation of culturally informed, balanced menus that promote holistic health and recovery, incorporating traditional First Nations foods where possible.
- Collaborate with the Traditional Wellness Specialist, Traditional Food Practice Specialist, Food Sovereignty Coordinator, and other team members to ensure shared menu planning, nutrition goals, and unified approach to inclusion of traditional foods.
- Contribute to nutrition education and food literacy initiatives for program participants, as appropriate to role scope.
- Establish and maintain nutritional standards aligned with Canada’s Food Guide, collaborating with Registered Dietitians and health professionals to ensure compliance.
- Oversee systems for tracking and responding to dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions, ensuring timely communication and coordination with clinical teams.
Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure proper food storage, temperature control, and preparation in accordance with Food Safe Guidelines.
- Monitor and document food storage and cooking temperatures, including daily fridge temperature checks and cooked food temperature verification.
- Complete and maintain required food safety documentation, including Food Safe Excellence Checklists and related records.
- Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and organization.
- Support program compliance with Food Safe certification and licensing requirements through policy development, internal audits, and corrective actions as directed.
- Provide informal guidance and support to staff and clients regarding food safety protocols and culturally appropriate food practices.
Inventory & Procurement
- Assist with food ordering, purchasing, and inventory management to ensure adequate and cost effective food supplies.
- Place purchase orders with approved suppliers and/or purchase food from approved local vendors.
- Receive and check incoming supplies for accuracy against invoices and follow up with suppliers as needed.
- Implement inventory control systems to maintain optimal stock levels, minimize waste, and support food security goals.
Client Engagement & Quality Assurance
- Gather client feedback related to meals and food services and share insights with the supervisor to support continuous improvement.
- Observe meal participation and identify potential concerns related to nutrition, access, or engagement.
- Contribute to a positive, respectful, and inclusive dining environment that supports dignity, choice, and cultural safety.
- Champion initiatives that promote healthy eating habits, food sovereignty, and nutrition education for clients and community members.
Other Duties
- Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
Working / Special Conditions
- Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
- Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
- Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel to and from the communities we serve.
- Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.
What you'll Bring
Education:
- Certificate or diploma in Nutrition, Community Health, Food Services, Culinary Arts, Public Health, or related field.
- Equivalency: A combination of relevant experience and training may be considered.
Certifications:
- Food Safe Level 2 (Level 1 minimum), First Aid and CPR certification required; Naloxone training an
asset.
- Red Seal Certification or equivalent advanced culinary training preferred.
Soft Skills:
- Strong understanding of nutrition, dietary needs, and cultural food sovereignty principles.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, licensing requirements, and compliance standards.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of cultural traditions and contemporary issues.
- Excellent communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage procurement strategies and inventory systems effectively.
Cultural Safety & Competency:
- Demonstrated understanding of First Nations food traditions, cultural safety, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Ability to work respectfully with Indigenous clients, Elders, and community partners.
Preferred:
- Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
- Experience working with diverse age groups, including youth, adults, and Elders.
- Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
- Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Cultural Competes:
- Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Experience applying culturally safe and trauma-informed practices in counselling settings.
- Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
How to Apply
- Have a question about this role before you apply? Email [email protected].
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.
Pre-Employment Screening
Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
