Jane's Place is looking for a Volunteer Cook/Kitchen HandJane's Place is a women's only service for women with experiences of addiction and/or homelessness. The service, staffed only by women, provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which women can access a multitude of supports.Jane's Place is a purpose-built fully wheelchair accessible, trauma-informed building that provides basic physical and mental health support, 1:1 key-working support, 1:1 counselling, psycho-educational groups, social groups/outings, holistic therapies, multi-agency wraparound support and in-reach supports provided by specialised services. We also provide shower facilities and have a salon space for women to get their hair done recognising the whole person, and the need for self-care and self-love.A Brief HistoryIn 2019, Merchants Quay Ireland and Dr Sarah Morton of UCD conducted researchinto the complex needs of women who are homeless and in addiction. This research showed that women are often unable or unwilling to access existing services. Higher rates of gender-based violence, sex work and coercive control among women can leave them too ashamed, stigmatised and afraid to seek the help they need.International research shows that female-only spaces facilitate greater emotional and physical safety for women, especially those who have experienced trauma and abuse.In response to these findings, MQI has introduced Jane's Place, a gender-specific service for women who are homeless and/or in addiction in Dublin city centre. The service, staffed only by women, provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which women can access support.Our Volunteer Cook/Kitchen Hand will support the Jane's Place team in providing our clients with healthy nutritional meal options. This role involves meal and food preparation, forward planning and maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in all food preparation areas within our women's only centre.We currently need one Volunteer for a weekly 4 hour shift on a Wednesday morning, who can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 12 months durationMain Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe first responsibility for new volunteers will be to read and if you agree, sign the Volunteer Agreement and code of conduct. Thereafter we will ask you to spend time getting to know the Service. You will be supported in this through the MQI induction and volunteer training modules.Maintain hygiene and storage standards as laid out by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)Comply with all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standardsSupport the team in food management and meal preparation for the week, preparing meat vegetables and batching meals for easy cooking during the weekEngage with our Jane's Place clients in a welcoming and supportive manner.Maintain high personal hygiene standardsComply with Health and Safety regulationsAdhere to all necessary trainingReport faulty equipmentParticipate as a team memberParticipate and carry out any additional duties as required by your line managerHelp fulfil Jane's Place aims and objectivesPerform volunteer duties to the best of your abilityAdhere to the signed volunteer agreementDevelop working relationships with clientsHelp in maintaining a safe and welcoming environmentAttend support and supervision sessions with your line managerComply with all administration, filing and paperwork requirements in the serviceAdhere to the organisations boundaries and confidentiality policy in all interactions with clientsAdhere to the organisations Code of ConductGeneral Volunteer SkillsVolunteers should be empathetic, non-judgemental, patient, and supportive towards others.Reliable, flexible with a willingness to get involved and help out.All volunteers will require Garda clearance through MQI for this position.Volunteers are required to produce two references.Create organised and efficient storage solutionsRole Specific QualificationsHACCPIf you are interested in applying for this position please complete the application form on our website.We wholeheartedly and gratefully thank you so much for your support to provide the best services to our clients. From everyone at MQI.