Food Services Worker
About Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS)
The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Merritt, BC, and the Nicola Valley region. Through shelter services, outreach programs, and partnerships with government and community organizations, we provide essential resources, advocacy, and pathways to stability. NVSSS is committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering empowerment through culturally inclusive programming, particularly in collaboration with local Indigenous communities. We believe in offering dignity, respect, and trauma-informed, person-centered support to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Job Summary
The Food Services Worker supports the daily food program at the NVSSS shelter by preparing and serving nutritious meals to individuals accessing NVSSS’s services. Working within a commercial kitchen and under BC’s food safety standards, this role is essential in meeting participants' basic needs in a respectful, trauma-informed environment. The Food Services Worker ensures that meals are safely prepared, dietary accommodations are considered, and kitchen areas are maintained in a clean and organized manner. This position supports the overall mission of NVSSS by promoting dignity, nutrition, and wellness among shelter guests.
Key Responsibilities
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Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to shelter menus and dietary guidelines.
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Ensure safe food handling and sanitation practices in compliance with BC’s Food Premises Regulation and Foodsafe Level 1 requirements.
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Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and food service areas, including dishwashing, sanitizing surfaces, garbage disposal, and equipment cleaning.
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Follow food rotation procedures (FIFO), monitor expiry dates, and ensure proper cold and hot food storage.
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Work with the Shelter Manager to track food inventory, donations, and ordering of kitchen supplies.
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Accommodate special dietary needs (e.g., allergies, cultural preferences, soft diets).
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Monitor kitchen safety, report hazards, and participate in safe work procedures.
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Engage respectfully with shelter guests, recognizing trauma-informed practices and cultural sensitivity.
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Support emergency meal preparation and assist in shelter-wide activities and events as needed.
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Maintain accurate food temperature logs, cleaning records, and food inventory sheets.
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Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food donations or deliveries.
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Support team members and volunteers working in the kitchen area.
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Follow all NVSSS policies and procedures related to food services, confidentiality, and workplace safety.
Minimum Qualifications and Skills
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Valid Foodsafe Level 1 certification (required before start date).
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Minimum 1 year of experience in a food services or kitchen setting (community, institutional, or commercial preferred).
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Knowledge of safe food handling, infection control, and basic nutritional standards.
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Understanding trauma-informed care and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations with respect and empathy.
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Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
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Familiarity with working in culturally diverse settings, including Indigenous communities.
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Strong communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
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Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs, and stand for extended periods.
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Must be flexible, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
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Basic computer literacy (for recordkeeping and communication).
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Willingness to complete ongoing training in areas such as First Aid, SafeTALK, and shelter procedures.
Working Conditions
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This is a Part-time position. Hours vary depending on operational needs.
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Work performed in a commercial kitchen within a shelter setting.
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Moderate to high physical activity including bending, lifting, standing, and working with hot food or equipment.
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Exposure to common allergens and cleaning chemicals.
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May work weekends, holidays, or evenings as scheduled.
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Fast paced and emotionally dynamic environment that supports individuals with complex needs, including those with mental health and substance use challenges.
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Emotional resilience, patience, and professionalism are key in interacting with participants who may exhibit trauma-related behaviors.
Additional Requirements
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Must have legal authorization to work in Canada.
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Completion of a satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening is required.
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Must sign and adhere to NVSSS’s Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement.
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Employment is contingent upon funding availability.