Cook - 1st Stop Woodlawn

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Work Hours: 35 hours per week – Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - 7am to 3pm, and Thursday 10am to 6pm
Salary: $45,679 (L2), plus comprehensive benefits
Location: 80 Woodlawn Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1C1

Internal Application Deadline: Monday, November 10, 2025
External Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

JOIN OUR TEAM
YWCA Toronto strives to uphold anti-discrimination practices and anti-oppression principles to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected and protected. We work to promote a climate that is welcoming of all women and individuals who identify as Trans, intersex, non-binary, agender, and/or Two-Spirit. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people from all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritionally balanced meals, cleaning the kitchen, serving area and cafeteria. This position is also responsible for assisting the Food Services Co-ordinator in the planning of meals and snacks in a multi service residential and shelter setting.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO - 1st STOP WOODLAWN
This program provides up to 62 shelter beds for youth (16-24yrs) and adult (25 and older) women, trans and non binary participants. This program operates as part of a congregate living site which includes 72 units of permanent housing. Community Shelter Support Workers will work a fixed schedule that may include week day and/or weekend work and will be responsible for case planning of all shelter residents. This shelter is funded by the City of Toronto and adheres to Toronto Shelter Standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and serves meals, snacks and bag lunches in a cafeteria setting;
• Under the direction of the Food Services Co-ordinator assists in the planning and preparation of meals as required by Toronto Shelter Standards;
• Stores unused food supplies properly to meet health regulations and prevent spoilage; monitors equipment;
• Records temperature of steam table, fridges and freezer;
• Washes dishes and stores the dishes overnight; locks the storage area;
• Cleans food preparation and serving areas, ensuring that all health regulations are met;
• Cleans cafeteria and garbage cans daily; sweeps and washes floor;
• Cleans kitchen appliances, utility and storage rooms regularly;
• Assists the Food Services Co-ordinator with ordering food, kitchenware and supplies as needed;
• Shops for food items as needed;
• Prepares and plans meals for special events and programming;
• Assists with the delivery and storage of food and supplies used in all meal preparation;
• Some heavy lifting required;
• Ensures that residents use appropriate safety gears and follows safety precautions during food preparation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent; (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
• Food Handler Certification and nutrition training;
• WHMIS training required;
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in food handling and food preparation;
• Experience in cooking culturally diverse meals in a large residential setting;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing demands;
• Ability to interact with a diverse community of women with complex needs, many of whom are living with mental health challenges;
• Ability to maintain a positive approach and a professional manner at all times;
• Completed Toronto Shelter Standards training an asset;
• Knowledge of second language an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Multi-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%
• Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float Days
• Other Benefits: Child Care Benefits, Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits, Educational/Sabbatical Leave, and Financial Assistance for Professional Development

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA Toronto is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. This position is within the Bargaining Unit. Please indicate on your cover letter if you are an internal candidate. For internal applicants, this position is not secondable.

Posting date: October 31, 2025