Are you experienced in food preparation or kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment? Do you bring strong communication skills and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team? If so, we invite you to apply and make a real impact at The Alex!
What We DoSince 1973, The Alex has been a community-based, not-for-profit organization providing integrated primary health care, community support services, and housing-focused programs to individuals and families who experience barriers to accessing traditional health, housing, and social service systems. Services are grounded in principles of health equity, low-barrier access, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, harm reduction, and person-centered care.
The Community Health Clinic provides team-based primary health care and integrated social supports for individuals and families of all ages experiencing barriers to accessing traditional services, with a focus on comprehensive wraparound care that addresses medical, mental health, and social needs.
Reporting to the Team Lead, Community Programs, and working collaboratively within The Alex Community Programs team, the Kitchen Assistant plays a key role in supporting food programming that brings people together, builds skills, and increases access to healthy, affordable food. This role supports the day-to-day operations of The Alex Community Health Centre kitchen, including food preparation, enhanced cleaning, and program delivery. The Kitchen Assistant works alongside staff, volunteers, and community members to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where food is a tool for connection, skill-building, and wellness.
This is a permanent, part-time position.
What You Will DoFood Preparation & Kitchen Operations- Assist with meal production and food prep for programs and community events.
- Follow health and safety protocols in accordance with Food Safe standards.
- Step into kitchen leadership duties in the absence of the Kitchen Coordinator.
- Monitor for and report any food safety or maintenance concerns.
Program & Community Engagement- Help prepare materials for food-related programming.
- Participate in program delivery, such as meals-to-go, affordable produce markets, and cooking workshops.
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for volunteers and community members.
- Contribute to team meetings and help foster a positive, collaborative team culture.
Facilities & Kitchen Care- Complete daily and monthly cleaning tasks in the kitchen and dining hall, following enhanced cleaning protocols.
- Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and restock as needed.
- Assist with organizing and maintaining kitchen storage areas, fridges, and freezers.
- Perform additional duties as required.
What You Bring- Diploma or training in a related field (culinary arts, nutrition, or similar) is an asset.
- 2-3 years of experience in large-scale food preparation, kitchen operations, or a similar role.
- Food Safety Certification is required.
- First Aid (Standard or Emergency) - Level C CPR/AED; completed within 30 days of hire and valid for a minimum of 6 months.
- Experience working alongside volunteers is preferred.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.
- Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing barriers related to poverty, mental health, or food insecurity, is an asset.
- Class 5 driver’s license and a clean 3-year driver’s abstract are required.
- A personal vehicle that can be used for work-related purposes or a minimum age of 21 years with three (3) years of driving experience is required.
- A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Check are required.
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitmen