Nipissing District Youth Centre (division of Northern Youth Services Inc.) is responsible for the delivery of Youth Justice Detention/Custody Programs in a secure setting.

Northern Youth Services

Inc. envisions a future where all youth have the skills and opportunities they need to respond positively in any situation. For the youth we serve – those currently, or at risk of being in conflict with the law. Our vision is to have youth succeed and contribute positively to society. Our mission is to deliver highest level services by providing youth with the tools to succeed.

Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, portioning, and serving nutritious, appealing, and culturally appropriate meals for youth residing in a secure youth justice facility. The position ensures that all food services are delivered in accordance with established menus, nutritional requirements, food safety standards, agency policies, and applicable legislation.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary facility team, the Cook maintains a safe, clean, and orderly kitchen workplace while supporting the unique dietary, developmental, and behavioural needs of youth in custody. The Cook is expected to work within the security requirements of the facility, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and contribute to a respectful and positive environment for youth and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

- Completion of secondary school or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Formal culinary or cook training is considered an asset.
- Previous experience working as a Cook in an institutional, correctional, healthcare, school, residential, or other high-volume food-service environment is preferred.
- Experience preparing meals for groups in accordance with standardized menus and recipes.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, safe food handling, and allergen management.
- Food Handler Certification or equivalent certification required where applicable.
- Current certification in First Aid/CPR is an asset or may be required by the facility.
- Experience working with youth, vulnerable populations, or in a secure or highly structured environment is an asset.
- Ability to successfully complete all required facility security screening, orientation, and training.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License (Class G) with a safe driving record (Driver’s Abstract).
- Broad Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

- Knowledge of commercial and institutional food preparation methods.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergen control, and safe food storage practices.
- Ability to follow standardized recipes, menus, dietary instructions, and portion requirements accurately.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen environment.




- Ability to safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Sound judgment and the ability to respond appropriately to unexpected or challenging situations.
- Ability to remain calm, respectful, and professional in a secure and potentially high-stress environment.
- Commitment to workplace health, safety, security, diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Food Preparation and Meal Service

- Prepare, cook, portion, and serve meals and snacks in accordance with approved menus, standardized recipes, production schedules, and portion requirements according to the Canada Food Guide.
- Prepare meals that are nutritious, appealing, and appropriate to the age, developmental needs, and dietary requirements of youth.
- Follow approved procedures for therapeutic, allergy-related, religious, cultural, vegetarian, medical, and other authorized special diets.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served at appropriate temperatures and within established food-service timelines.
- Adjust food preparation and production quantities as required to accommodate changes in population, schedules, or approved dietary requirements.
- Maintain appropriate presentation, portion control, and quality standards.
- Assist with the planning and preparation of special meals or menu items as directed.

Food Safety and Sanitation

- Follow all applicable food safety legislation, local public health requirements, facility procedures, and safe food-handling practices.
- Ensures all standards are in accordance with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
- Maintain appropriate personal hygiene and comply with required food-handler standards.
- Monitor and document food temperatures, refrigeration, freezer, and hot-holding temperatures as required.
- Prevent cross-contamination and appropriately manage allergens and other food safety risks.
- Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, storage areas, and serving areas according to established schedules and procedures.
- Properly label, date, store, rotate, and dispose of food products.
- Identify and report spoiled, contaminated, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable food products.




- Maintain required sanitation and food-safety records and documentation.
- Report food safety concerns, equipment deficiencies, pest concerns, or other hazards promptly to the appropriate supervisor.

Inventory and Food Supplies

- Receive food and kitchen supplies and verify quantities, quality, condition, and delivery documentation.
- Store food and supplies appropriately and in accordance with food safety and facility requirements.
- Rotate inventory using appropriate stock rotation practices and monitor expiry dates.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and advise the appropriate supervisor of shortages, damaged goods, or anticipated supply requirements.
- Complete orders and/or assist with food ordering and inventory control as assigned.
- Minimize waste through appropriate food preparation, portion control, storage, and inventory practices.

Equipment and Workplace Safety

- Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and facility procedures.
- Conduct routine inspections of equipment and report malfunctions, damage, or maintenance requirements.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow workplace health and safety procedures.
- Safely handle hot food, liquids, sharp utensils, cleaning products, and other workplace hazards.
- Maintain clear and unobstructed work areas and follow procedures for preventing slips, trips, falls, burns, cuts, and other workplace injuries.
- Participate in required workplace health and safety training.
- Report workplace injuries, hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.

Physical Demands

- Must be able to stand for long periods (up to 5-6 hours).
- Must be able to handle and work around heated equipment.
- Must be able to perform cleaning duties which includes stooping, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, moving arms, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds using proper lifting techniques.
- Must be able to perform repetitive tasks.
- Able to perform work in a safe and sanitary manner.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Accommodations are available at every stage of the hiring process for applicants with disabilities, upon request. We also uphold equitable hiring practices and are committed to employment decisions that are fair, inclusive, and free from discrimination, consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our hiring process is human-driven and does not involve AI tools for screening, assessment, or selection. Please visit www.northernyouthservices.ca for more information on the services provided.

Pay: $22.38-$23.70 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 35.0 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Cook (North Bay)
🏢 Northern Youth Services
📍 North Bay