Kitchen & Garden Coordinator Job Posting

The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is seeking a Kitchen & Garden Coordinator to lead the preparation of daily meals and support culturally grounded food programming at our Culturally Supportive Youth Care Home. This role is responsible for preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals; maintaining a safe, clean kitchen; tending on-site garden spaces; and offering hands-on food literacy and life skills education to Indigenous youth (Family Members) living in the home. With a focus on traditional foods, cultural connection, and trauma-informed practice, this role helps foster a sense of stability, belonging, and wellness through food.

ACEH is an Indigenous-led, non-profit housing provider dedicated to supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our work centers cultural safety, Indigenized harm reduction, and community-driven solutions.

Our Vision: Our way is to care for all our people, from the youngest to the oldest. We are all one. Some of our people living away from home are suffering, isolated and homeless. We stand together to end homelessness.

Application Submission: You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens.

Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry. The ACEH values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply.

Applications will be received until positions are filled. Only qualified candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed.

Job Details:

Position Type: Full-time. Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Start Date: Conditional on satisfactory caregiver screening.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $28.84 per hour
• Fifteen (15) paid vacation days annually
• Five (5) paid sick days plus additional sick leave credits accrued monthly
• 5% RRSP matching 
• Health Benefits after 90-day probationary period. Premium 100% covered by employer.
• Free residential Parking

About the role:
The Kitchen & Garden Coordinator supports the daily nutritional and cultural needs of up to six First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis youth residing in ACEH’s Culturally Supportive Youth Home.

This position prepares three daily meals, incorporates traditional foods, maintains the kitchen and garden spaces, and supports youth in developing food skills, independence, and connection through shared meals and cultural learning.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Prepare three daily meals and snacks following seasonal menus
• Incorporate traditional foods and accommodate dietary needs and allergies
• Manage grocery purchasing, food inventory, and kitchen supplies within budget
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen aligned with health and safety standards
• Prepare occasional celebratory meals or treats for milestones and events

Garden & Food Programming

• Maintain on-site vegetable and medicine gardens and incorporate harvest into meals
• Support youth participation in gardening and food preparation
• Facilitate weekly food literacy and life-skills sessions focused on nutrition and independence
• Foster a welcoming, respectful kitchen environment for learning and connection

Collaboration & Documentation

• Communicate regularly with the House Manager regarding dietary needs and wellness concerns
• Track required nutrition information and meal data for licensing using CAMS
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and planning
• Support positive relationships and a respectful living environment

General Duties

• Support household activities and community-building initiatives
• Use de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches when needed
• Follow ACEH policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Perform related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Required caregiver screening by the Ministry of Child & Family Services’ Hub. Screening submission will include at a minimum, Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Record Information and Consent for Prior Contact Form.
• Required Valid First Aid and CPR from a course that meets the requirements of Schedule C.
• Required Food Safe Certificate.
• Required Naloxone Overdose Training from a certified healthcare professional.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Minimum 2-years working with Indigenous youth and/or providing care.
• Preference given to those who have worked with Indigenous peoples and have training/education in relevant Indigenous post-secondary.
• Preferred Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification.
• Experience or personal insights working cooperatively with people with disabilities, lived experience, and addictions considered an asset.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations, family support, social services, and Indigenous support services and programs considered an asset.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
• Capable of standing, walking and climbing stairs throughout a 8 hour shift. 
• Ability to work in a professional and non-judgmental manner as you are working with a broad range of personalities, needs, cultures, lived experiences and abilities.
• Ability to respond calmly to changing or high-risk situations
• Ability to work independently and effectively respond to and manage competing demands while adhering to deadlines.
• Effective written, electronic, and verbal communication skills to facilitate interprofessional collaborative practice, healthy and culturally safe environments, and a respectful workplace for community members, staff, guests, and volunteers.
• Progressive understanding of persistent mental illness, addictions, and other challenges and how these impact people’s overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
• Use a de-colonized harm reduction approach in addressing situations.