Culinary Arts Training Specialist

The Arc Erie County NY is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities across Western New York. With a proud history spanning over 75 years, The Arc Erie County NY has been committed to empowering individuals through innovative residential, educational, clinical, and employment services. The organization focuses on fostering inclusive communities and providing opportunities that enable people with disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Based in Buffalo, New York, The Arc Erie County NY offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of its community members, helping them develop skills, gain meaningful employment, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

The organization is currently seeking a Culinary Arts Training Specialist for a full-time position located on Main Street in Buffalo, NY. This role is essential for helping individuals take their first steps toward entry-level employment within the culinary and food service industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and delivering a comprehensive, hands-on training program that equips participants with practical cooking skills and industry knowledge. Working Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, this position offers a competitive pay rate of $22-$24 per hour, dependent on experience.

The Culinary Arts Training Specialist’s primary mission is to provide group and individualized culinary instruction across various agency programs. This includes administering both written and practical tests to measure participant progress and proficiency, creating volunteer opportunities that integrate participants’ culinary talents to benefit the broader community, and managing the program’s budget—ensuring effective use of resources and maximized enrollment and training space utilization. The role demands an instructor who not only possesses technical culinary expertise but also exhibits a high degree of sensitivity to the diverse learning needs and styles of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Applicants should be passionate about culinary education and motivated to inspire trainees while fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. The organization values candidates experienced in culinary arts instruction and who hold relevant certifications such as ServSafe (or are willing to obtain them within six months). A valid New York State driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation is also required as the role may involve travel to different parts of Erie County. Overall, this position provides an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, inclusive team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by The Arc Erie County NY.