Community Kitchen Coordinator (Nora Hendrix Place)

About Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS)

Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the social, political, economic, and cultural well-being of people of African descent (Black People) through the delivery of inclusive housing, built spaces, and culturally informed programming. For years, the Society has been a leading advocate for people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver who have endured the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure from Vancouver’s historical narrative.

About Nora Hendrix Place (NHP)

Nora Hendrix Place is a 52-unit temporary modular social housing in the heart of Hogan’s Alley Block that prioritizes Black and Indigenous at risk of homelessness. The units serve as temporary housing until people are supported enough to find a suitable permanent housing solution. All units are self-contained dwellings with a private bathroom and kitchen. At least 10% of the homes are wheelchair accessible.

Since its opening in 2019, Hogan’s Alley Society has partnered to operate NHP with the aim of building internal capacity as a culturally informed housing operator. The ultimate objective is to assume full control of NHP operations. Currently, HAS is in the process of preparing for the imminent takeover of NHP operations, with a primary focus on establishing a robust staff team for the facility. As part of this initiative, HAS is actively recruiting individuals to join the Nora Hendrix Place staff team within the Hogan’s Alley Society. Through this transition, HAS is taking a first step into becoming a culturally informed housing operator. This advances the vision for the Hogan’s Alley Block towards the long-term goal of developing an asset-based model that can grow the capacity of racialized groups to participate in city-building and reduce persistent economic, social, political inequalities.

Scope of Role

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Community Kitchen Coordinator will develop, facilitate and implement a Community Kitchen Program that supports & encourages residents to actively attend and participate. The Community Kitchen Coordinator will ensure that kitchen has all necessary supplies, will maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen that meets all health and safety guidelines, prepare two meals independently for residents daily, and will have strong budgeting and organizational skills to effectively maintain weekly menus and food supply orders while working within the constraints the residents themselves experience (i.e. limited food budgets, lack of access to transportation, lack of proper equipment etc.). In addition, the role will include providing support and supervision to kitchen volunteers, coordinating and distributing Food Bank orders, and will provide support to residents, teaching basic cooking skills, nutrition and budgeting.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare two meals per day for residents at Nora Hendrix Place
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen that meets all health and safety guidelines
• Keep inventory of all supplies needed and make orders as needed, while managing a budget
• Working with residents and management team to develop and communicate weekly menus
• Communicate, coordinate and collaborate with other food service providers in the care and support of residents
• Support the creation and implementation of a food/life skills program for residents. Aims at teaching basic cooking skills, preparing cultural meals, nutrition, and budgeting skills
• Actively participate in building a skilled, cohesive, collaborative staff team, including demonstrating commitment to organization and building policies; resolving conflict and negativity as they arise; assisting in orienting, training and mentoring to all staff
• Administer basic first aid and/or CPR
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the management team.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Knowledge and skills in food safety, healthy cooking, and nutrition
• Experience cooking food that is culturally relevant to Black and First Nations, Metis and Inuk people is a significant asset.
• Experience and knowledge about mental health diagnosis, medications, treatment and support resources.
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities and health resources.
• Understanding of the ongoing impact of colonialism and the residential school system.
• Have a clear understanding of Black history in Canada, and experience working with immigrants and refugees.
• Have an understanding and analysis of the impacts of anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity
• Have knowledge of the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure of the people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver from Vancouver’s historical narrative.
• Basic sound knowledge of relevant physical health issues (e.g. HIV and Hepatitis C), including diagnosis, treatment, and support resources.
• Create and construct effective relationships with the neighborhood and the community to ensure the program is maximally integrated into the community.
• Must demonstrate clear, direct, and sensitive verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with community resources and within a team setting.

Training/Education Required

• Minimum, a diploma or certificate in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of three years of experience (depending on education) working in a related field. The equivalent combination of relevant experience and applicable skill-based training may be considered.
• Lived experience is invaluable, as is living in the community in which you work. HAS strives to hire staff who reflect the people we serve.
• Food safe certification is required
• Must complete an acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Search report.
• Must hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
• A current Crisis Prevention Institute certificate or Non-violent crisis intervention training is an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid is an asset but not required.
• Harm reduction and Naloxone training.

Personal Attributes:

• Flexible - able to adapt to an ever-changing environment and open to taking on diverse tasks whenever needed.
• A quick thinker who can make decisions without agonizing and who knows when to reach out to others for guidance and support.
• Committed to working with people struggling with substance use and comfortable working in a harm reduction environment.
• Strong consultative and relationship building skills.
• Embraces the mission, vision, values, and philosophy of Hogan’s Alley Society
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and crisis situations.
• Put clients first and work to include them in all decisions that affect their lives.
• Well-developed understanding of and commitment to anti-oppression work and intersectionality.
• Committed to working with tenants who may be struggling with substance use, brain trauma and cognitive impairment, and/or mental illness.
• Understands and is comfortable working within a harm reduction environment and while you support tenants who choose abstinence, you understand abstinence is just one option for those struggling with substance use.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with programs that serve vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Understanding of trauma informed care and support.

Closing date:

Positions will remain open until filled.

Thank you in advance to all applicants.

Hogan’s Alley Society acknowledges that we work and organize on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. We offer our commitment to working in good relations with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and to working in solidarity to address the long-lasting impacts that colonialism, genocide, and systemic racism have had on Indigenous peoples.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Casual

Salary: $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Every Weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Please tell us briefly how your lived experience and/or close connection to the Black or Indigenous communities in Canada have prepared you for this role.
• Are you looking for full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (20 hours/week) employment?
• What is your availability for work scheduling if you are the successful candidate for this role?
• Do you have prior experience working with vulnerable populations?

Work Location: In person