Food Program Facilitator

Indwell • Hamilton, ON

5d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Food Program Facilitator, you will be responsible for all food-related activities within the program, including the coordination and/or preparation of 24 daily, nutritious, hot meals. Supporting individuals in developing and working through their personal service plans striving towards health, wellness and belonging; promoting and demonstrating the vision, mission and values of Indwell within the workplace and community. Working within the context of a collaborative interdisciplinary team reflecting the principles of person-centered and evidence-based care by assisting with coordinating and delivering mental health and addiction services to residents with a particular focus on food security and nutrition. This program serves individuals who have experienced long term housing instability and/or long stay hospitalizations. The scope of the work may vary from time to time based on individual and program needs. This position will require a high level of resilience and willingness to work in close proximity to challenging situations.
As this program will be supporting tenants from Black and racialized communities, we are seeking a Food Program Facilitator who self-identifies as a visible minority or Black, understanding the challenges faced by the BIPOC community (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).
Founded in 1974, our Christian charity continues to thrive and grow exponentially as we serve people impacted by poverty and homelessness through our vision of HOPE and HOMES for All. We are the fastest growing developer in Ontario creating affordable high quality efficient housing communities coupled with supportive programs to over 1300 tenants to meet their needs of health, wellness, and belonging. To learn more, go to: indwell.ca/our-model

Requirements

• Post Secondary education in related field or equivalent
• Experience working in mental health and/or addictions sector is beneficial
• A Safe Food Handling Certification or be willing to complete the course to become certified
• Recent Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with the information therein acceptable by Indwell to meet the operational requirements of the program- at one’s own cost
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Certification from an approved provider that meets Ontario provincial standards or willingness to register for the training within 30 days of employment-reimbursement by Indwell
• Experience working in mental health and/or addictions, with harm reduction approaches to substance use
• A warm, sensitive and caring approach with a genuine interest in supporting a diverse population of people living with mental illness and/or substance use
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to learning and supporting diverse individuals and communities (i.e. cultural safety, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice)
• Ability to work independently, be flexible, organized, responsible and take initiative.
• Must have physical capability to lift and maneuver heavy objects (i.e. dish racks, bulk food items and occasional appliances)
• A client centered approach, using trauma-informed strategies to support residents
• Strong communication, listening, interview and assessment skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Effective crisis intervention and conflict management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a high stress environment, work independently, be flexible, organized, responsible and take initiative.
• Excellent written, verbal, time management and organizational skills
• A commitment to interpersonal collaborative teamwork and care and continuous professional development
• Committed to upholding and modeling the standards set out in the organization’s Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, Code of Conduct and other operating standards and policies

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with SPDAT/ the Ontario Common Assessment of Need is an asset

Responsibilities

• Direct Support to Residents: Skilled in building therapeutic relationships with residents with a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach, promoting hope and trust and engagement in food programming and food-related activities
• Coordination of a daily hot meal for 24 residents along with skills and knowledge to prepare daily hot meal, if required
• Has the ability to contribute to and prepare culturally diverse meals or programming to meet all tenants needs
• Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual resident support plans, including any relevant assessment tools
• Assist residents in developing and practicing the skills defined in their service plans in consultation with resident and interdisciplinary team
• Understanding of food security barriers within resident population and nutritional impacts
• Demonstrate understanding and ability to assess the food security and nutrition needs of program population related to cultural significance and general health
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationship between food and community building.
• Collaborate and consult with hospital and community supports around nutrition needs
• Coordinate, lead and/or participate in case conferences with outside supports
• Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery models, including harm reduction strategies around substance use
• Proven advocacy skills to ensure residents receive the support and referrals they need to carry out their individual support plans and access appropriate resources
• Confident in utilizing crisis management and intervention skills
• As a representative of a faith-based organization, recognize and promote the role of spirituality in personal development, and provide support and guidance as required
• Reinforce residents’ life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skills
• Ability to engage in skill building activities with residents with dignity
• Assist with intake and orientation of new residents
• Develop and facilitate relevant group programming related to food and nutrition
• Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting health records
• Demonstrate a nonjudgmental approach to the implementation of pest management protocols and skill building with residents
• Participate and contribute to relevant organizational cross-regional team and community tables.
• Other duties as required
• Leadership: Consistently show initiative and engage in creative problem solving
• Engaging and establishing external community partnerships to meet and improve food security of residents
• Experience leading and/or guiding internal teams to accomplish shared goals
• Reinforce a positive workplace culture and tone through your skilled verbal and written communication.
• Keep interdisciplinary team informed of community opportunities and emerging trends related to best practices in food security and nutrition
• Comfort with landlord responsibilities such as pest management and rent collection
• Support, Direction, and Commitment to Interdisciplinary Team: Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide direct and indirect support to residents, encouraging housing stability and food security. These supports may include medication administration, apartment checks, oversight and implementation of pest management protocols, community events, meal program, and other supports as necessary
• Support and collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to integrate program volunteers into food programming. Complete volunteer logs as required
• Work in close collaboration with other Food Program Facilitators and food providers in the region to ensure smooth operations and that resident feedback is incorporated into the execution of the meal program
• Assist in the orientation and support of staff, students and volunteers
• Keep apprised of new research and developments relevant to your role, through workshops, journals, websites, and literature. Transfer knowledge back to the team and residents in the most effective manner available
• Follow applicable regulations, policies and procedures
• Work collaboratively with Indwell’s Facilities Team, supporting and reporting maintenance needs to ensure upkeep of buildings and resident units
• Administrative responsibilities including maintaining financial records and accountability as well as program evaluation and health records
• Ability to bulk order all necessary items required for meals and plan nutritious menus accordingly.
• Ability to follow and adhere to a set budget
• Health, Welfare and Safety Practices: Responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy, and clean work environment
• Use appropriate procedures and follow-up documentation when responding to emergency situations
• Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, i.e. Health and Safety, Public Health (Infection Control)
• Complete required safety checks and inspections as assigned
• Attend and participate in all required training to maintain and develop new skills
• Other duties as required

Benefits

• Vacation: 3 weeks paid with 8 HEAL days (sick and personal appointments) per year
• Extensive Benefits paid: Extended health (100% medication coverage- some exceptions may apply), dental and vision care.
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program- primary care and professional consulting services
• Group RRSP: Indwells contributes 5% of salary
• New Staff Orientation Days
• Professional and Personal Development: annual Leadership Conference (themed with guest speaker) + Spiritual Ranch Retreat (reflection and recharge with various outdoor activities). Cliffs Strengths Finder Assessment facilitated by People Developer for mentoring opportunities, Lunch and Learn Webinars, Indigenous Cultural Competency and 2SLGBTQ Awareness. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), First Aid/CPR/Naloxone, Therapeutic Relationships and Applied Suicide Intervention (ASIST)
• Social Events: Indwell’s Hope and Homes Banquet yearly to celebrate the important work we do + team gatherings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree