Full job description
Position Overview:
YWCA Cambridge Emergency Women’s Shelter is seeking a dedicated and reliable part time Cook to help ensure a safe, clean and welcoming environment for unhoused women and gender diverse individuals. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, general maintenance skills and a compassionate approach when working in the emergency shelter.
What you’ll do:
- Report to Director of Housing and works collaboratively with the Food Services Coordinator to implement weekly meal planning and food provision to shelter residents;
- Responsible for preparation, cooking and serving of up to 3 meals daily;
- Ability to provide meal options that meet dietary, cultural and/or religious needs;
- Assist with food preparation for shelter programming as needed;
- Responsible for ensuring the kitchen, food storage, and food service areas meet health and safety standards;
- Responsible for ensuring food safety inspections are completed in the absence of the Food Services Coordinator;
- Responsible for basic kitchen oversight including but not limited to: inventory tracking, cleaning of kitchen area and dishes, and safe storage of food and supplies;
- Responsible for coordination of food deliveries and donations: receiving, sorting, storage, and any administration duties required for processing;
- Communicate effectively with Director of Housing, Shelter Supervisor, Food Services Coordinator and staff to address gaps or needs;
- Works safely, reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Cambridge Health and Safety policies and procedures,
- Familiar with, and adheres to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, (OHSA) Workplace Safety Insurance Board Act (WSIB), Human Rights and Employment Standards Act (ESA);
- Participate in trainings provided by YWCA Cambridge;
- Attend and participate in staff meetings when required;
- Comply with YWCA Cambridge policies and procedures;
- Support the YWCA Cambridge mission, vision and values;
- Performs other duties as required.
What you bring:
- A diploma in Food Services from a recognized college preferred; or related experience.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in food service industry
- Food Handler’s Certification
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Basic Computer Skills & experience in Word and Office applications
- Ability to work independently with strong time management and organizational skills
- Knowledge of the experiences and needs for women and gender diverse individuals experiencing homelessness including the impact of food insecurity
- Previous experience working in a shelter environment is an asset
- Ability to bring a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective to work;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Ability to work from a trauma informed perspective;
- Must provide a current Vulnerable sector police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
- Valid driver’s license, clean abstract and reliable transportation.
Working Conditions:
- Part-time position with a schedule of 15 hours per week, This includes Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
- Work environment may include exposure to cleaning products, tools, and outdoor tasks
This is a Shelter environment where high conflict situations occur, which can be hostile or violent at times requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff.
How To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume explaining why you would like this position by Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Apply through the Indeed job posting.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $23.00 per hour
Flexible language requirement:
- French not required
Work Location: In person