The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing support services, advocacy, employment, and mentoring and housing. We work to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down stigma and reduce barriers for people with mental illness. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.
Nutritionist - Summer Student Job
Purpose of Role
To support adults with mental health difficulties in developing healthier eating habits and improving nutritional wellbeing, while gaining supervised professional experience. The student assists with assessments, education, and program delivery within the limits of their training. About Peggy’s Place - It is a one of a kind transition home designed to meet the needs of women suffering from mental illness, who have also experienced domestic violence, or homelessness.
Who can take part
To take part in Canada Summer Job (CSJ), you must:
be aged between 15 and 30 years old (at the start of your summer job)
be a Canadian Citizen, a permanent resident, or someone who has been officially given refugee protection in Canada and
be legally allowed to work in Canada
this includes having a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the start of your summer job
You can’t take part if:
you’re an international student (here temporarily for school and not a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee in Canada)
you’re still waiting for a refugee decision, or if you only have a visitor visa, youth visa, or work visa
Fun Fact: When it opened in 1997, Peggy’s Place was the first of its kind in all of Canada.
Organization:
The Kettle Friendship Society
Status:
Full-Time (Anticipated length of placement: June 1 to July 24, 2026)
Hours and Days:
Monday to Friday (35 hours per week) (9:00AM to 4:00PM)
Salary & Compensation:
$18.25 per hour
Key Responsibilities
Client Support:
Assist in conducting basic nutrition assessments (e.g., dietary habits, food preferences, lifestyle factors).
Support clients in setting realistic and personalized nutrition goals.
Provide nutrition education appropriate to the student’s level of training (e.g., general healthy eating guidance, meal planning support).
Deliver or help facilitate group sessions/workshops on nutrition, balanced diets, hydration, or cooking skills.
Promote healthy behaviours that support mental wellbeing (e.g., stabilizing blood sugar, improving sleep-related nutrition, reducing nutritional deficiencies).
Program & Resource Development:
Help create educational materials (leaflets, handouts, simple meal plans, posters).
Contribute to group program design such as healthy eating groups, cooking classes, or wellbeing workshops.
Assist with maintaining a safe and accessible teaching or kitchen environment.
Documentation & Administration
Maintain accurate and confidential client notes, following organizational and training program standards.
Track client attendance, progress, and engagement in nutrition-related activities.
Complete placement logs, reflective journals, or competency assessments required by the student’s academic program.
Professional Development & Supervision
Attend regular supervision sessions with a registered nutritionist/dietitian or designated supervisor.
Engage in reflective practice to develop competency and understanding of the relationship between nutrition and mental health.
Recognize limits of competence and seek guidance when faced with complex or clinical nutrition-related concerns (e.g., eating disorders, severe malnutrition).
Collaboration & Communication
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., mental health workers, clinical coordinator).
Communicate appropriately and sensitively with clients who may have varying levels of mental health symptoms.
Escalate any concerns regarding client safety, risk, or wellbeing to supervising staff.
Ethical & Safeguarding Responsibilities
Adhere to relevant codes of conduct
Ensure any nutritional advice remains evidence-based and within scope of student practice.
Follow Kettle Society safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies.
Avoid clinical nutritional interventions unless under direct guidance and appropriate qualifications.
Qualifications & Requirements
Currently enrolled in, or gradation from, a degree or accredited training program in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or a related field.
Completion of foundational coursework in nutrition science and public health principles.
Good understanding of the links between diet, behaviour, and mental health (or willingness to learn).
Skills & Attributes
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to explain nutritional concepts in simple, accessible language.
Empathy, patience, and sensitivity to mental health challenges.
Cultural awareness and non-judgmental approach to food choices and lifestyle differences.
Organizational skills and reliability in completing notes and attending supervision.
Willingness to work collaboratively and accept feedback.
Why The Kettle?
The Kettle appreciates and acknowledges the land in which we live and work on as unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We welcome all applicants regardless of Indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence that is unrelated to the employment of that person.
Please do not contact the employer directly as only short listed candidates will be contacted by our People & Culture Team. We appreciate your interest in our organization.