Relief Cook

Are you a changemaker? Come on INN!

Who Are We?

We’re an amazing team, doing amazing things every day. Inn from the Cold is the largest organization in the Calgary region dedicated to supporting families experiencing a housing crisis.

At Inn from the Cold, we offer more than a job; we provide an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of families in need. Our values guide us — compassion, accountability, respect, inclusivity, courage, and innovation. We are driven by our vision of a thriving community where every child and family has a safe and stable place to call home.

We prioritize people, recognizing the uniqueness and worth of everyone who walks through our doors. Our commitment to reconciliation and equity is not just a statement; it's a journey we're dedicated to, actively working alongside Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities to dismantle oppressive structures. As a trauma informed organization, we create a safe and supportive environment, promoting healing and resilience.

We are a multidisciplinary team united by a shared vision, mission and values. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, and we believe that diverse perspectives drive our success. It is this diversity and the respect and value we have for each other and our community that makes us stronger.

If this sounds like a place where you would want to work, please review the position below to see if there’s a fit with your skills and experience.

What Are We Looking For?

• Position Title:Relief Cook
• Job Type: Relief
• Department: Philanthropy and Campaigns
• Reports to: Manager, Meal Services

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Meal Services, the Relief Cook at Inn from the Cold (The Inn) is responsible for preparing, presenting and storing all food products as well as ensuring the kitchen, the equipment and areas including the bathrooms are cleaned and maintained daily. This position also includes working with the team to meal plan following the Canada’s Food Guide, ensuring the menu is with in the kitchen budget, utilizing food donations, while keeping in mind that we are cooking child friendly nutritious and tasty meals. Ensuring that all AHS Food Safety Standards as well as The Inn’s Kitchen Standards are followed. Checklists and temperature lists are filled out daily as well as communication with off shift team members is up to date and accurate. This role will require a class 5 driver’s license with a clean 3 year drivers abstract. As the kitchen is offsite, you will sometimes be required to drive a company vehicle to transport food.

What You'll Do

• Prepare, present, and store food according to safety and kitchen standards, ensuring cleanliness and organization in kitchen areas and storage rooms.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Team to plan menus within budget and creatively repurpose leftover food while following checklists and prep sheets diligently.
• Perform daily inspections on equipment and van, reporting any issues, and safely operate The Inn’s van for pickups and deliveries while adhering to traffic rules.
• Occasionally required to drive The Inn’s vehicle to various locations around the city to pick up and /or drop off donations or other items
• Complete assigned duties within deadlines, maintain grooming, hygiene, and uniform standards, and obtain required police and vulnerable sector checks.
• This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. The Relief Cook will be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.

What you Bring to Our Mission

• Minimum 1 year of professional cooking experience, baking experience preferred.
• Customer service orientation with clear communication skills, adaptability, and focus.
• Results-driven mindset with ethical conduct and values alignment, strong time management, and accountability.
• Availability for weekends, evenings, and holidays, knowledge of sanitation and food safety guidelines, and effective decision-making ability.
• Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driving record, and the ability to lift 50lbs and stand for long periods,
• Mental alertness, basic mathematical skills and Microsoft Word and Excel skills are a plus.
• Willingness to receive feedback, follow leadership, and complete required training.
• Completion of police check and vulnerable sector check prior to employment.

Work Conditions

• Utilization of manual dexterity for various kitchen equipment/utensils.
• Physical demands include prolonged standing and lifting objects, with occasional lifting, bending, twisting, pushing, and pulling items up to 50lbs.
• Exposure to crisis or emergency situations, potentially involving emotional or confrontational interactions.
• Flexibility to work in both The Inn’s commercial kitchen and the servery kitchen at The Inn’s shelter.
• Potential requirement to cover shifts on short notice and work overtime as needed.

What We Offer

We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable benefits and total compensation to all staff, including:

• Competitive salary, where all employees are paid a living wage at minimum
• Focus on health and wellbeing, including access to employer paid extended health benefits, dental benefits, annual health spending account and employer matched RRSP contributions
• Commitment to your mental wellbeing with free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Work life balance, including paid vacation starting at three weeks, wellness days, and 12 paid statutory holidays
• Supportive and flexible work environment, with ongoing training and development opportunities
• Potlucks, celebrations, employee engagement initiatives and plenty of fun
• Strong commitment to advancing reconciliation, aligning with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Recognition that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength in diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Our Commitment

Join us in a workplace where your actions contribute to breaking down barriers, fostering equity, and creating a truly inclusive and antiracist space. At Inn from the Cold, you're not just an employee but a crucial part of a community, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The INN is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued and prioritized. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about our mission and can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value unique perspectives and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of talents and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, disability, age or veteran status, or any other non-merit-based or legally protected grounds.

Join Our Team

We are excited to hear from you! We invite you to join our movement to end family homelessness in our city. If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the qualifications above, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and a Child Intervention Record Check.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until a successful candidate is found.

Inn from the Cold is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact us at HR@innfromthecold.org before your interview.