Contract Cook

Cook

On site

Contract, Full Time (1 Year)

Level 4

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of 24-7 services to more than 300 young people each day.  

As a national leader, we educate and advocate for long-term change to improve the lives of vulnerable youth. This includes influencing public policy, leading awareness and prevention programs and continually building and sharing our knowledge. As a learning organization, we strive for excellence and programs with impact.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer housing options, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

Thanks to our donors, who contribute almost 75 per cent of our $40-million annual operating budget, we are able to deliver these comprehensive programs and services.

Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

Overview

The Cook will be responsible for preparing and serving of meals and the regular cleaning and sanitizing of the meal preparation area, equipment and cookware. 

We are currently hiring for 1 Contract, Full time Cook. This is a replacement role covering a 1 year leave

Responsibilities:

• The cook will be responsible for production/preparation of all menu items to include seasoning, marinating and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, allergen, dietary, vegan and vegetarian option or other foods as instructed by the Operations manager.
• To prepare and cook for 250 plus meals a day for each meal service.
• Plan and schedule production for menu items, assist in ordering supplies, and keep records and accounts as necessary according to standard policy and procedures of the organization.
• Supervise, direct and train personnel and youth training in the food production kitchen in order quantity and quality standards are maintained according to the departments’ goals and objectives. 
• Supervises and participates in cooking, baking and the preparation of foods.
• Reports to the Foodservice Manager needs for weekly production according to business and projected goals for food cost budgets.
• Must participate with Receiver/Purchaser in checking of all purchased supplies for quality and account for each delivered item.
• Operate the dishwasher, ensuring that it is running at the proper temperatures with proper chemical cleaners; washing all dishes generated by youth and staff.
• Cleaning the food service equipment and facility daily in accordance with the established schedule.
• Responsible in checking and organizing fridge and freezer for inventory.
• Ensures menus support religious, ethnic dishes and support annual holiday including Black History Month.
• Response for any calls for in-kind and other donation inquiries.
• Serving meals and interacting with youth in a challenging and sometimes stressful environment; assessing when to involve Youth Workers.
• Assisting with catering of meetings and special events
• Transporting food and supplies to appropriate areas if the Kitchen helper is unable to do it.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in the hospitality/customer service industry.
• Successful completion/enrollment in a recognized Culinary Training Program or Ministry Apprenticeship program
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Current food handler’s certificate.
• Ability to prioritize and read orders, menus, standard recipes and task sheets, plan, prepare and execute meals within set deadlines with attention to standards of wholesomeness, quality and quantity as instructed.
• Supervisory skills to provide guidance, training, direction and to coordinate, assign, schedule, check and supervise the work of staff in food production
• Should be familiar with the operation and cleaning of all food service equipment, particularly an automatic dishwasher.
• Familiar in preparing meal with allergen and dietary need (i.e gluten free, lactose free, vegan and vegetarian etc.).

Interested candidates are welcome to apply directly to this posting on or by October 16, 2025. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please.

Use of AI and Technology in the Hiring Process

Covenant House Toronto does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. However, we do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently.

While our ATS may apply automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters. No hiring decisions are made by AI.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.