Relief Cook

About Sojourn House

Sojourn House provides Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing services to newly arrived refugees coming from all parts of the world. We provide a safe place and an inclusive environment to people who have had the refugee experience. We are dedicated to providing the best possible settlement services and programs that help residents transition and integrate into the community. With decades of experience and being one of the first refugee housing facilities in Toronto, we take pride in being a leading organization in refugee care

Why this role Matters

As a Relief Cook, you will support Sojourn House’s Food Services Program in providing nutritious meals to refugees. You will work within an anti-oppression, anti-racism, access and equity framework. You will provide coverage as needed for weekday, weekend, statutory holiday, vacation and leave shifts.

What you’ll do

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals while meeting food safety and health requirements.


• Prepare meals that respond to residents' cultural and special dietary needs.


• Receive, inspect, store and rotate food products to maintain quality and proper inventory.


• Maintain a clean, safe and sanitary kitchen, including food preparation areas and equipment.


• Serve residents in a respectful and professional manner while ensuring food is safely presented and appropriately portioned.


• Work collaboratively with the Food Services team and follow Sojourn House policies and procedures.

What You’ll Need

• Minimum of 2 years of experience and/or training in a high-volume food services or commercial kitchen environment.


• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using commercial kitchen equipment.


• Community college education and/or training in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Services from a recognized institution is an asset.


• Current and valid City of Toronto Public Health Food Handling Certificate.


• Working knowledge of WHMIS requirements and associated precautions in a commercial kitchen environment.


• WHMIS and CPR/First Aid certifications are preferred.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen team.

What to expect

• This is a relief position, providing coverage as needed on weekdays, weekends, statutory holidays, vacations and leaves.


• Shifts are 7.5 hours, typically 7:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.


• You will work in a commercial kitchen and regularly use commercial kitchen equipment.

The role requires standing for extended periods, bending, moving food products and equipment, and lifting up to 50

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit a cover letter with resume.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a request for accommodation will be accepted throughout the hiring process.  Interview candidates are required to provide their accommodation needs at least three business days before the assessment date.

Sojourn House is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from all equity seeking groups.

101 Ontario Street Toronto, ON    M5A 2V2            T: 416.864.0515                            www.sojournhouse.org