Specialist, Teaching Kitchen

Waco, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Temporary

Full-time

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

flexible schedule

Employee wellness programs

Paid holidays

Job Description

The Waco Family Medicine Kelley Teaching Kitchen is a dedicated culinary education facility within the Waco Family Medicine system, committed to promoting health and wellness through hands-on cooking instruction. This establishment operates within a healthcare framework, focusing not only on culinary skills but also on addressing patient needs related to chronic conditions and overall community health. The program is designed to support patients and community members by combining medical insight with practical cooking education, thereby fostering healthier eating habits and empowering individuals to take control of their nutrition and lifestyle choices. The facility aims to create a welcoming and educational environment in which participants of all skill levels can engage, learn, and apply culinary techniques that contribute to better health outcomes.

The Teaching Kitchen Specialist role is a pivotal position within the Kelley Teaching Kitchen, responsible for leading and orchestrating interactive, hands-on cooking classes. This role involves working closely with patients, staff, volunteers, and various external partners to deliver cooking classes and demonstrations that cater to diverse audiences and health goals. The Specialist is tasked with developing themed class menus, recipes, and educational content that not only enhance cooking skills but also promote healthful eating, cost-effective meal preparation, and time-saving culinary strategies. They act as key members of Shared Medical Appointment care teams by providing culinary instruction relevant to patient care sessions.

Further responsibilities include establishing efficient workflows for classes, managing inventory, and maintaining budget controls for groceries and supplies. The Specialist must ensure that all classes adhere to strict health department safety and sanitation standards. Additionally, they cultivate a hospitable and supportive climate for all participants, reinforcing an inclusive and motivational atmosphere conducive to learning. This role demands both culinary expertise and educational skills, with a strong emphasis on community health promotion and cultural relevance. It is a grant-funded position supported through June 30, 2027, with potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance. Employment type is full-time, generally encompassing standard 8-hour shift schedules and may occasionally require evening or weekend hours to support special events or program goals.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager Certification
Three to five years of professional cooking or teaching experience preferred
One to three years of teaching culinary curriculums with children and adults required
Experience working with diverse populations or in community settings required
Ability to manage time effectively and multitask in a fast-paced kitchen environment
Ability to follow health department safety and sanitation standards
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Availability to work occasional evening or weekend hours
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 lbs occasionally
Ability to perform physical activities such as reaching, walking, squatting, bending, and kneeling occasionally

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager Certification
Three to five years of experience in professional cooking or teaching environments preferred
One to three years teaching culinary curriculums with children and adult learners required
Experience working with diverse populations or in community-based settings
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices
Self-motivated and resourceful with a dedication to fostering a positive learning atmosphere

Job Duties

Lead interactive, hands-on cooking classes for guests of all skill levels including Shared Medical Appointments at clinics
Demonstrate health promoting culinary techniques, cost and time saving strategies, flavor pairings, knife skills, and plating and presentation tips
Create class themes, menus, recipes, and educational content and serve as part of Shared Medical Appointment care teams
Establish Teaching Kitchen structures for class workflows, inventory management, setup, and cleanup
Collaborate with staff, volunteers, patients, contract chefs, and interns to deliver effective class content
Procure groceries and supplies, maintain inventory, and manage recipe-related costs within budget
Maintain an organized recipe and curriculum library and collaborate to identify culturally relevant, health promoting recipes
Ensure all classes and kitchen facilities meet health department safety and sanitation standards
Create a hospitable and supportive environment for patients, staff, and community members
Assist with kitchen operations, equipment care, and administrative tasks
Support NMDOH programs and special events, including possible evening or weekend hours
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor