About StepStones for Youth

StepStones for Youth supports young people ages 10–25 who are involved, or have previously been involved, in Ontario’s child welfare system. Through housing, education, employment, mentorship, and community programming, we help youth build stable and independent futures.

We are currently seeking a reliable, organized, and community-minded Program Support Chef to lead weekly meal preparation and kitchen coordination for our Tuesday evening youth programming.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys preparing meals for groups, working collaboratively with volunteers, and helping create a welcoming and positive environment for youth.

Position Overview

The Program Support Chef is responsible for planning and preparing weekly meals, coordinating food orders and inventory, supporting volunteers during meal preparation, and ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming kitchen environment.

This role requires strong time management, communication, flexibility, and comfort working in a youth-focused and volunteer-supported environment.

Programming occurs weekly on Tuesday evenings, though some Tuesdays may not require meal programming due to off-site workshops, events, or schedule adjustments.

Hours: Up to 6 hours per week

Rate: $35/hour

Weekly Compensation: Up to $210

Additional Hours/Compensation: Only if approved in writing

Food budget: Up to $300/week

Key Responsibilities

Meal Planning & Preparation

• Prepare meals for weekly Tuesday youth events using a rotating menu structure of approximately 8–10 recurring meal themes/recipes
• Support the development and refinement of menus and ingredient quantities to streamline ongoing ordering and preparation
• Ensure all meals meet dietary and program requirements, including:
• Halal meat only
• No pork products
• Peanut-free meals
• Vegan option available
• Kosher-friendly option available where possible
• Adapt meals and menus based on youth feedback, participation levels, and program needs
• Ensure meals are prepared and ready for service by approximately 5:30 PM for a 6:00 PM dinner service
• Ensure food is prepared, stored, and served according to safe food handling standards at all times

Food Ordering & Inventory Management

• Assist with weekly ingredient and supply planning
• Support placing food orders by Thursday for the following week to allow sufficient delivery and preparation time
• Prioritize affordable and ethical purchasing practices, including sourcing Canadian products when reasonably possible
• Prioritize bulk purchasing for commonly used ingredients and supplies where cost effective
• Keep food and supply costs within approved budget limits
• Maintain awareness of inventory levels for:
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Napkins
• Takeout containers
• Specialty serving items (e.g. bowls, chopsticks, serving utensils)
• Notify staff when supplies are running low or replacement items are required
• Assist with tracking deliveries and identifying missing or incorrect items

Delivery Coordination & Kitchen Logistics

• Coordinate and monitor food deliveries to ensure ingredients arrive in advance of programming
• Communicate any special storage instructions clearly to staff when not present for deliveries
• Promptly communicate missing ingredients or delivery concerns so replacement plans can be arranged before programming begins
• Understand that staff availability for last-minute pickups may be limited and plan accordingly whenever possible

Volunteer Coordination & Guest Experience

• Work collaboratively with corporate and community volunteers supporting meal preparation and event activities
• Help create a positive, welcoming, organized, and respectful volunteer experience
• Clearly explain tasks, preparation steps, kitchen expectations, and food safety procedures to volunteers
• Ensure volunteers feel included, appreciated, and comfortable participating regardless of skill level
• Support volunteers in selecting appropriate tasks or stations based on interest and comfort
• Maintain a calm, professional, and collaborative environment during busy preparation periods
• Ensure basic food safety practices are followed by all participants, including:
• Proper handwashing
• Safe cooking temperatures
• Appropriate sanitation
• Hair restraints where required
• Work collaboratively with StepStones staff to ensure event setup, food service, cleanup, and storage needs are completed appropriately

Kitchen Operations & Equipment Care

• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen and preparation space throughout programming
• Ensure all StepStones equipment is cleaned and returned to proper storage locations after use
• Promptly report damaged, broken, or missing equipment to staff
• Communicate any cleanup, storage, or food handling instructions to staff prior to departure
• Understand that kitchen access begins at approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and preparation plans should accommodate this timeline
• Additional preparation time on Mondays may occasionally be available with advance notice, though space availability is not guaranteed

Administrative & Financial Accountability

• Submit invoices and approved receipts as required by StepStones procedures
• Maintain accurate documentation of approved purchases and expenses
• Ensure purchases remain within approved program budgets and seek approval before additional expenses are incurred
• Communicate clearly with staff regarding operational needs, timelines, supply concerns, and event preparation

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience preparing meals for groups, events, community organizations, or similar environments
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with staff and volunteers
• Comfortable working in youth-focused and community-based environments
• Positive interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
• Valid Food Handler Certification required prior to starting
• Experience coordinating volunteers or working in community programming is considered an asset

Additional Information

• StepStones provides cooking equipment and kitchen space
• Any additional equipment purchases must be approved in advance
• Contractors are responsible for providing their own apron and any personal tools they choose to bring
• Personal belongings and equipment are brought at the contractor’s own risk
• This position operates as an independent contractor arrangement and not an employee relationship

Confidentiality Expectations

The successful candidate must maintain confidentiality regarding youth participants, staff, programming, and organizational operations. Names, photos, and personal information may not be shared externally without written approval.

Scheduling & Reliability

• Reliable weekly attendance is mandatory
• If unable to attend due to illness or emergency, notice must be provided as early as possible to allow alternative arrangements to be made
• Flexibility and adaptability are important due to the nature of youth programming and community events

To Apply

Please send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your experience and interest in the role to:

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