Identifying Information

Job Title: Culinary Program Assistant

Program Area: Prosper Place

Job Level: Program Coordinator

Organization Summary

CMHA-Edmonton is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that all people experience good mental health and well-being. We increase awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, recovery, and suicide prevention through education. We support the resilience and recovery of people in distress including those affected by mental illness or suicide by providing crisis intervention; safe, long-term and affordable housing; peer support; suicide grief and family support; information and referral support; and providing opportunities to improve your wellness.

Job Summary

The Culinary Program Assistant works collaboratively with Prosper Place (PP) peer members/clients and staff. The Culinary Assistant supports the kitchen and food service operations by preparing meals, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and ensuring food safety standards are met. This role helps to deliver nutritious meals to individuals or communities served by the organization. The Culinary Assistant plays a vital role in assisting the culinary team in meal preparation, storage, and food service, supporting the program objectives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Programming

• Learn the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation
• Learn the philosophy and guiding principles of Recovery College models
• Ensure Prosper Places daily operations are delivered adhering to its mission, vision, and strategic plan
• Demonstrate respect and non-judgmental behavior to all peer members/clients and PP staff
• Develop positive working relationships with all peer members/clients through engagement
• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills with all peer members/clients
• Implement the Prosper Place Code of Conduct and reference as required
• Enhance and maintain peer member/client participation within all programming
• Work collaboratively and supportively with all other PP staff
• Maintain operation and cleaning of the canteen/caf
• Maintain/assist in supporting the daily cleaning tasks for the PP facility
• Assist in kitchen/meal preparation and baking when required
• Use of creativity to propose new programming ideas
• Any other duties as required and assigned.

Direct Member/Client Services

• Ensure the welcoming and engagement of new peer members/clients
• Develop positive, trusting relationships when engaging peer members/clients by demonstrating skills such as genuineness, respect, acceptance of the individuals program needs and goals, understanding of mental illness behaviors
• Inform staff if you observe changes in peer members/clients behavior
• Ensure all peer members/clients follow all health and safety rules/policies/procedures.

• Assist in peer member/client outreach services (telephone and online) as required.

Administration

• Maintain effective email communications
• Accurately record and submit bi-weekly time sheets
• Adhere to confidentiality rules and Prosper Place Code of Conduct at all times
• Other duties as required

Qualifications/Experience

CMHA-Edmonton recognizes that candidates all have different skills and experiences to offer. While we are highlighting desired qualifications in the following sections, it is not a checklist. We encourage everyone interested to apply and indicate how you would successfully take on the role even if you have unconventional experiences or qualifications.

• 3 years minimum cooking experience
• Food safe Certification
• Excellent time management skills
• Able to multitask and work independently
• Able to follow and execute recipes
• Active peer member of Prosper Place will be considered as asset
• Culinary experience required
• Experience working in the field of mental health services or related area
• Leadership and/or supervision experience

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work independently and yet understand when inclusion and collaboration is necessary
• Understanding of mental illness
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to motivate others in a positive way
• Strong teaching techniques
• Cooking and baking skills
• Exceptional active listening skills
• Demonstrated success in achieving goals in a timely manner and meeting deadlines

Required Training for the Position

Within the first 3 months of employment:

• Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training
• Discrimination and Harassment Training
• Diversity and Cross-Cultural Training
• Trauma Informed Care

Within the first 6 months of employment:

• First Aid
• Mental Health First Aid
• GBA+ Training