Shelter Cook / Food Service Worker

Position: Shelter Cook / Food Service Worker

Reports To: Shelter Manager

Permanent, 28 hours per week – Monday thru Thursday, $27.87 per hour

About The Denise House:

The Denise House is a 33-bed shelter and Community Support Service for abused women, with or without children, located in Oshawa.

We are currently seeking to recruit a Cook/Food Service Worker for our shelter. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate meals for residents and their children.

The ideal candidate will understand the unique dynamics of working in a residential shelter environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while contributing to a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, balanced meals that reflect the cultural diversity of residents and their children.
• Prepare meals within an established budget, using resources efficiently and minimizing food waste.
• Develop menus that accommodate cultural and religious food practices, dietary restrictions, allergies, and individual needs.
• Monitor food inventory, plan grocery purchases, and maintain accurate records of food supplies and expenditures.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, kitchen sanitation, and cleanliness in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to established schedules and organizational expectations.
• Maintain a welcoming and respectful kitchen environment that promotes dignity and inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with shelter staff while respecting the distinct responsibilities of each role.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with residents, recognizing the importance of role clarity and avoiding over-involvement in residents’ personal circumstances.
• Respect confidentiality and the privacy of residents, including information related to their experiences, circumstances, and presence in the shelter.
• Demonstrate trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive interactions with residents.
• Follow organizational policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a residential, community-based, shelter, or institutional setting.
• Culinary Arts diploma or certificate from a recognized college or culinary training program.
• Experience preparing meals for culturally diverse populations and familiarity with a variety of cuisines and dietary practices.
• Demonstrated ability to plan menus, manage food costs, and prepare quality meals within a defined budget.
• Knowledge of food safety, safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen maintenance.
• Ability to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Food Handler Certification, as required.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations or within a social service setting is an asset.
• Second language is an asset
• Training or experience in nutrition, menu planning, and preparing balanced meals for diverse populations an asset
• Training in allergy awareness, dietary accommodations, and culturally appropriate meal preparation an asset

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Cultural sensitivity: Respect for the diverse cultural identities, traditions, and food practices of residents.
• Budget management: The ability to provide nutritious, appealing meals while working within established financial limits.
• Professional boundaries: An understanding of appropriate staff-resident relationships, role clarity, and the importance of maintaining professional interactions.
• Confidentiality: A commitment to protecting residents’ privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of shelter-related information.
• Trauma-informed practice: An understanding of how trauma can affect individuals and the importance of creating interactions grounded in safety, respect, dignity, and choice.
• Professionalism and accountability: Reliability, sound judgment, receptiveness to feedback, and adherence to organizational policies.
• Flexibility and adaptability: The ability to respond appropriately to the changing needs and dynamics of a residential shelter environment.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for women and their children experiencing violence. We recognize the importance of meeting residents’ nutritional needs while respecting their dignity, cultural identities, and individual circumstances. The Cook plays an important role in fostering a welcoming residential environment through the preparation of quality meals, respectful interactions, and a consistent commitment to professionalism and care.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Natasha Mungal, Shelter Manager by 5 p.m. on November 26, 2026 at nmungal@thedenisehouse.com or by mail to King Steveson Postal Outlet, P.O. Box 30560, Oshawa ON LIJ 818

Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. If you require any support or accommodation in order to fully participate in an interview, please let us know at the time of scheduling.

The Denise House is committed to building an inclusive, anti-oppressive, and equitable workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from women and gender-diverse people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We especially encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, and disabled communities, as well as those with lived experience of gender-based violence.