George Spady Society
The George Spady Society is recognized as a leader in the development and delivery of effective services for the care, treatment, and support of individuals with substance-related disorders and dual diagnoses. People who come to us find dignity, hope and healing as they set a new path towards health and well-being. George Spady Society provides a continuum of support services supporting people with complex life circumstances associated with substance-related and concurrent disorders and homelessness, empowering them to improve their lives through client-centered, evidence-based best practices.
The Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, preparing and coordinating meals for both internal and external programs, and ensuring food services meet nutritional, safety, and infection prevention standards. This position supervises kitchen staff and client volunteers, manages food supply needs, and supports a welcoming and well-run kitchen environment.
Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
•Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious menus that meet dietary and health standards
•Meal planning with a 3 month look ahead
•Coordinate food ordering and deliveries by liaising with suppliers, the food bank, and other partners
•Maintain inventory and ensure proper food storage, rotation, and waste reduction
•Ensure meals, snacks, and beverages are prepared and served on time for:
o Approximately 60 clients in the detox program, including three meals per day, one snack, and beverages
o One daily meal delivery to Canora Place, including breakfast, a bagged lunch, and a hot supper for 28 residents
•Ensures all dietary requirements and limitations are met, including but not limited to religious dietary needs, diabetic diets, soft food diets, and allergen restrictions.
•Supervise two full-time cooks and provide direction and support to client volunteers working in the kitchen
•Approach all interactions with a trauma-informed mindset and an understanding of how withdrawal and recovery impact mood, behavior, and functioning, showing patience, flexibility, and kindness
•Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, following infection prevention and food safety protocols
•Maintains documentation of safety checks, cleaning schedules, and incident reports.
•Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word and Teams) for managing inventory, completing safety check documentation, and creating or updating menus and reports
•Ensure shifts are covered, including stepping in to support weekend or holiday coverage as needed
•Communicate regularly with leadership and team members to coordinate schedules, address issues, and adjust to client needs
•Performs other tasks as assigned by the Program Manager, Director, or Chief Executive Officer.
Position Qualifications:
•Strong organizational skills and experience in a kitchen leadership role or similar setting
•Understanding of nutrition, food safety, and infection prevention practices
•Comfortable supervising and mentoring others and working with people from a variety of backgrounds
•Ability to work in a trauma-informed way, with an understanding of how withdrawal and recovery can impact mood, behavior, and functioning
•Patient, kind, and calm in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment
•Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a dynamic kitchen
•Food Safe certification (or willingness to obtain)
•Flexibility to support occasional weekend or holiday coverage if needed
•Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
•Vulnerable Sector Check completed within the last 6 months
•Current First Aid and CPR certification
Hours of work: Permanent Full-time Day Shift work. 7.5 Hours, Monday-Friday 8am 4 pm.
Thank you for applying to the George Spady Society. We will contact only those candidates whose qualifications best match our needs. Thank you again for your interest in our organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer: George Spady Society is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and enriches our work and is essential to our operational excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at time of application should you wish to. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
