Cook​/Nutrition Advisor

Description

POSITION TITLE: Cook / Nutrition Advisor

PROGRAM: Supportive Living – Group Home Alternative Living Care

POSITION TYPE: Permanent, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week;
Typically, Monday – Friday (10:30am – 6:30pm);
Schedule may vary and include occasional weekend days based on operational needs. Additional hours will be required during peak times, which may require an adjusted work schedule in order to meet deadlines.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Cook / Nutrition Advisor plays a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and daily living of residents within a supportive living group home serving adults with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. This position is responsible for the planning, preparation, and delivery of nutritious meals, while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and skill-building environment.

Working collaboratively with residents, Supportive Living Coordinators, and Recovery Alberta clinical staff, the Cook / Nutrition Advisor ensures that food services align with dietary needs, cultural preferences, therapeutic goals, and recovery-oriented practices. The role also contributes to life skills development by supporting residents to build capacity in meal planning, cooking, and nutrition.

REPORTS TO: Program Manager, Operations –Post Discharge, Supportive Living & Alternative Living care

• Plan and prepare two nutritious, balanced meals daily (lunch and dinner), incorporating Canada’s Food Guide and best practices in mental health and nutrition.
• Ensure availability of breakfast foods and snacks for residents.
• Develop weekly and monthly menus in collaboration with residents, incorporating preferences, cultural needs, and dietary requirements.
• Adapt meals to meet specific health needs (e.g., diabetes, allergies, texture modifications) in consultation with clinical staff.
• Support special meals and food-related activities for holidays, cultural celebrations, and program events.

• Engage residents in meal planning, grocery selection, and food preparation as part of life skills development.
• Provide informal and structured education on cooking, nutrition, budgeting, and food safety.
• Foster a welcoming kitchen environment that promotes participation, autonomy, and confidence.
• Support residents to build independence in food-related daily living activities.

• Source and purchase food, kitchen supplies, and equipment in alignment with program budgets and organizational policies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of food and supplies.
• Monitor food quality, storage, and safety standards (including proper labeling, rotation, and sanitation).
• Establish relationships with local vendors and identify cost-effective purchasing options.

• Manage food and kitchen-related budgets responsibly, ensuring cost control and value for money.
• Track expenditures and maintain accurate financial records.
• Collect and report on key data (e.g., meal counts, food costs, participation in meal programs) to support program evaluation and funder reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through documentation and feedback on food services.

• Work collaboratively with Supportive Living Coordinators and interdisciplinary team members, including Recovery Alberta clinical staff.
• Participate in team meetings as required to align meal planning with resident care plans and therapeutic goals.
• Communicate effectively regarding resident needs, dietary changes, and program updates.

• Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety in accordance with Alberta Health Services guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and procedures, including those related to health and safety.
• Identify and address potential risks related to food handling and kitchen operations.

• Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Food Services, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Food Safety Certification…