Cook & Centre Support

Location: Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre
Program: Licensed Childcare
Position Status: Full Time
Compensation: $22.12/hour

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem. Our charity exists to help solve many—from childcare shortages, social isolation, and mental health challenges to access to wellness and more.

Today, our network spans more than 100 program locations across Halifax Regional Municipality and throughout Nova Scotia, meeting some of our communities’ most urgent needs through mental health supports, accessible childcare, newcomer services, safe spaces for youth, employment and labour market support, wellness programming, and opportunities for connection among older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe spaces they need to discover their inner strength. When people know someone is in their corner, offering unconditional support, they realize they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that help individuals ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant, healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part of Your Total Compensation, You Will Receive:

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to YMCA at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Three (3) weeks of vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension plan (once the Centre is open)
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of the Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre, the Cook/Centre Support is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with Canada's Food Guide and the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.

In addition to culinary responsibilities, this role includes general cleaning duties and providing daily support within ratio-based programming.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain clean, organized, and clutter-free storage and workspaces in all designated areas.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with approved menus and budgets while ensuring quality, variety, and nutritional value.
• Conduct weekly meal preparation every Monday to support meal service throughout the remainder of the week.
• Safely prepare and serve whole fruits and vegetables using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in food preparation, storage, and service.
• Present food in a communal style (e.g., self-serve platters), ensuring appropriate portions and appealing presentation.
• Adhere to allergy management protocols by following posted allergy lists and preventing cross-contamination.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including menus, temperature logs, allergy records, cleaning schedules, and meal/snack modifications.
• Ensure food carts are cleaned and sanitized and deliver meals to classrooms as required.
• Conduct regular inventory checks of dining supplies, including utensils, dishware, and serving equipment.
• Comply with all Nova Scotia Health Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement Division requirements and childcare licensing regulations.

Facility Maintenance & Cleaning

• Perform general cleaning duties, including garbage removal, mopping, hallway tidying, washroom maintenance, and restocking supplies.
• Ensure the safe storage and handling of cleaning chemicals and supplies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the centre.

Program & Team Support

• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for all children, families, and staff.
• Adhere to YMCA policies, procedures, Best Practices, and Child Safeguarding standards.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Provide daily support within ratio-based programming.
• Engage in learning opportunities related to child development, YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum, and relationship-building practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.

Education & Skills Qualifications

Required

• Valid Food Handler Certification.
• Completion of the Orientation for Certificate (Working in Licensed Child Care) within six (6) months of hire.

Assets

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Classification Level 1, 2, or 3.

To Apply

Please apply online by July 2, 2026 at: https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/

Successful Candidates Must Provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (issued within the past six months), if 18 years of age or older.
• Attendance at Child Safeguarding Training upon hire.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.

Please Note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Any offenses will be assessed in relation to the position and Child Safeguarding requirements and may not automatically disqualify candidates from employment with the YMCA.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities and fulfill our mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse people; people with disabilities; members of ethnic minority and faith communities; newcomers to Canada; and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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