Community Meals Programs Coordinator

Job Description

The Community Meals Programs Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and administration of New Dawn’s Community Meals Programs, including Meals on Wheels, the Frozen Meals Program, and Community Partnership Meals. Working closely with clients, healthcare providers, community partners, and the Community Kitchen team, the Coordinator ensures the effective and timely delivery of accessible, nutritious, and high-quality meal services that support health, independence, food security, and wellbeing.

The Coordinator manages client intake, service coordination, dietary and nutritional planning, program administration, community partnerships, and continuous quality improvement. The role ensures meal services are responsive to a broad range of nutritional requirements, including therapeutic, medically necessary, and culturally appropriate diets.

As a member of an interdisciplinary health and social care team, the Coordinator works closely with the Community Kitchen Manager, kitchen staff, and community partners to ensure meal programs remain client-centered, responsive, and sustainable while supporting New Dawn’s mission and values.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Client Services & Intake; Dietary & Nutritional Coordination; Community Meals Program Operations; Community Partnerships & Outreach; Program Administration & Reporting; Quality Improvement & Food Safety

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Services & Intake

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners regarding Community Meals Programs
• Receive and respond to inquiries, referrals, and requests for service
• Complete client intake and onboarding processes, ensuring accurate documentation and timely service initiation
• Conduct ongoing assessment of client needs and coordinate appropriate meal services and supports
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records
• Foster relationships with clients and families through responsive, compassionate, and professional service
• Design, implement, and evaluate client satisfaction and feedback initiatives
• Connect clients with additional community resources and supports as appropriate

Dietary & Nutritional Coordination

• Conduct nutritional and dietary assessments for new and existing clients to identify dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies, preferences, and therapeutic diet needs
• Coordinate meal planning and service delivery for clients requiring specialized diets, including but not limited to diabetic, cardiac, renal, texture-modified, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other medically prescribed diets
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, and community supports to ensure meal services align with client health needs and goals
• Maintain current knowledge of nutrition, food safety, therapeutic diets, and best practices in community nutrition programs
• Support menu review and planning processes with the Community Kitchen team to ensure meals meet nutritional standards and reflect client needs
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, educational materials, and operational tools related to nutrition and dietary services
• Monitor emerging trends and best practices in nutrition and community food services and recommend improvements to programs and processes
• Maintain accurate dietary information within client records and program databases

Community Meals Program Operations

• Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Meals on Wheels, the Frozen Meals Program, and Community Partnership Meals
• Develop and maintain systems for meal ordering, scheduling, packing, labeling, distribution, and quality assurance
• Coordinate meal service requirements with kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared in accordance with client needs and program commitments
• Maintain accurate records related to meal production, distribution, client participation, and program utilization
• Monitor service demand and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accessibility, and client experience
• Track meal volumes and support billing, invoicing, and reporting processes
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of new meal initiatives that respond to emerging community needs
• Respond to operational issues and service concerns in a timely and professional manner

Community Partnerships & Outreach

• Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, social service organizations, housing providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate meal services delivered through community partnerships, including healthcare, housing, and social support programs
• Collaborate with partners to identify unmet food access and nutritional support needs within the community
• Support outreach, communications, and program promotion activities to increase awareness and utilization of Community Meals Programs
• Represent New Dawn’s Community Meals Programs at meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements as required

Program Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate program records, databases, and reporting systems
• Monitor service volumes, client participation, dietary trends, and program outcomes
• Prepare reports, statistics, funding information, and program updates for management, funders, and stakeholders
• Support grant applications, funding reports, and program evaluation activities
• Assist with policy, procedure, and process development related to program operations
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and continuous improvement

Quality Improvement & Food Safety

• Promote and support a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement
• Support compliance with food safety standards, organizational policies, and relevant legislation
• Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives
• Identify and mitigate risks related to client safety, food handling, dietary requirements, and service delivery
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff and management to address operational challenges and improve service quality

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
• Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
• Champion and promote New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership 
• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition, Applied Human Nutrition, Dietetics, Community Nutrition, or a related field
• Minimum two (2) years experience in working in nutrition services, community nutrition, food service management, healthcare, or a related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of therapeutic diets, nutrition screening, food safety, and community-based nutrition supports
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
• Understanding of and commitment to community-centered practice, and New Dawn’s values

Work Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
• Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs
• Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals

Compensation Package for Salaried Employees

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service.

Group Health Employee Benefits

New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long-term disability premiums are fully employee-paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non-taxable.

Extended Health & Well-Being  

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources.

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self-Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs). 

Flexible Work Arrangements

In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations. 

Reduced Hours Work Week

Full-time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32-hour reduced-hours work week while maintaining full-time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8-hour days, or five 6.5-hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year.

Paid Vacation 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status.

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents. 

Paid Holidays 

New Dawn observes the following thirteen (13) public holidays annually, exceeding current statutory minimums. These include: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. 

Subject to operational requirements, New Dawn may provide eligible employees an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day annually, allowing employees additional time with family and loved ones without using vacation entitlement. 

Rewards & Recognition 

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones.

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets.

Professional Development

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager.

Café Marie Discount

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.