Purpose:

The Housekeeper-Cook position, is a 3-month contact (subject to change) that is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment at the Westman Women’s Shelter in accordance with Manitoba Health Sanitary Guidelines. In addition to housekeeping duties, this role includes planning and preparing nutritious meals for residents and overseeing grocery shopping to ensure the shelter is well-stocked with food, kitchen and cleaning supplies. The Housekeeper-Cook plays a vital role in supporting the overall health and comfort of shelter residents and works closely with the Shelter Administrative and Facilities Coordinator.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Daily Cleaning and Sanitization
   Perform daily cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, disinfecting high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches), cleaning windows, blinds, furniture, and emptying garbage and recycling. Clean staff bathroom daily to maintain hygiene standards. Maintaining cleanliness of immediate outdoor areas and surrounding vicinity, including walkways, entrances, and outdoor play spaces to ensure they are free of debris, snow, ice, or safety hazards.
2. Carbing Resident Room and Disinfection
   Thoroughly clean and disinfect resident rooms upon vacancy to ensure a safe, sanitary environment for incoming occupants. Change towels, sheets, and pillowcases; launder and replace full bedding sets.
3. Meal Planning and Preparation
   Conduct weekly collaborative meal planning with residents. Prepare and serve nutritious and affordable meals daily for shelter residents, ensuring dietary needs are considered. Plan menus, manage grocery lists, place weekly food orders, manage food inventory to ensure supplies are fresh and turned over regularly.
4. Inventory and Supply Management
   Monitor and maintain inventory levels of food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other essential items. Place orders as needed and submit all receipts to the Shelter Director for reconciliation.
5. Common Area Maintenance
   Clean and maintain common areas such as hallways, staircases, and non-residential spaces to ensure a welcoming, clean, and safe environment for residents and staff.
6. Equipment and Maintenance Reporting
   Identify and promptly report any malfunctioning equipment, maintenance concerns, or safety hazards to the Shelter Director. Address minor repair or upkeep needs where possible. Ensure expenditures remain within the approved budget through close coordination with the Shelter Director. Regularly meeting with the Shelter Director to identify operational needs, address challenges, and review spending, monitoring and auditing to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and organizational policies.
7. Monthly Safety Checks
   Assist with scheduled safety inspections, including checking fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and other safety equipment to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.
8. Facility Walk-Throughs
   Conduct daily walk-throughs of the interior facility and surrounding outdoor areas. Monitor for cleanliness, safety, and any emerging concerns; report issues to the Shelter Director immediately.
9. Other Duties as Assigned
   Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Director to support the smooth operation and safety of the shelter environment.

Working Conditions:

This position is based in a women’s shelter environment and involves exposure to high-stress and crisis situations, including witnessing women and children in emotional distress or trauma. Staff may encounter clients in challenging personal circumstances, including individuals who may exhibit agitated or aggressive behavior.

The role also includes physical demands, such as cleaning, lifting, meal preparation, use of cleaning chemicals, work inside and outside of the building, various weather conditions, use of ladder to access high-reach areas, and other shelter-related duties which require the ability to respond flexibly to both emotional and practical needs within the facility.

Flexibility, patience, and the ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations are essential for success in this role.

How to Apply:

To apply for the 3-month term (subject to change) position of Housekeeper/Cook, submit your resume and cover letter to Careers@ywcawestman.ca by October 9th. You may also drop off in person to 158-11^th Street in Brandon, Monday to Friday from 8am – 4pm.