Workforce Development (WFD) Chef Instructor

Job Overview

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Compensation

Hourly
Range $29.50 - $32.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Employee assistance program
flexible schedule

Job Description

FeedMore is a mission-driven organization dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity in its community. With a strong focus on creating sustainable solutions, FeedMore offers a range of programs designed to support the needs of individuals facing food challenges. One of their impactful efforts is the RISE (Readying Individuals for Success & Employment) Culinary/Food Manufacturing training program, which specifically targets individuals with significant barriers to employment. This program is crafted to equip participants with the essential skills necessary to achieve gainful employment in the expanding regional food industry.

The Workforce Development (WFD) Chef Instructor position plays a critical role in the success of the RISE Culinary program. Reporting in conjunction with the Chief Workforce Development Officer, this role is responsible for overseeing all educational initiatives related to the culinary and food manufacturing training. The instructor develops, refines, and delivers a hands-on curriculum designed not only to teach culinary skills but also to instill vital life skills that help students overcome personal challenges and succeed independently. This position requires teaching and cooking alongside students, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds, with the goal of guiding them toward stable employment.

The WFD Chef Instructor manages the full scope of classroom and kitchen instruction, including the delivery of a 12-week training schedule, practical culinary applications, and life skills education. The role involves constant collaboration to understand student needs and to adjust the training to reflect industry demands and community opportunities. Additionally, the instructor coordinates student internships, facilitating placement, supervision, and relationship growth with internship providers to ensure students gain real-world experience.

This position demands a positive, supportive approach to creating an engaging learning environment, ensuring safety and respect in the kitchen and classroom. The WFD Chef Instructor also participates in student intake, assessments, and case conferences to monitor and support student progress comprehensively. Beyond teaching, this role will assist with mission-driven activities within FeedMore, ranging from food preparation to community outreach, emphasizing flexibility and dedication to the organization's broader goals.

This role offers an opportunity for professionals passionate about culinary arts and social impact to join a dynamic team that profoundly influences individuals' lives by fostering sustainable employment and personal growth. It requires a combination of culinary expertise, instructional ability, and compassionate understanding of student challenges. FeedMore provides support for certification, equipment procurement, and fosters continuous program improvements to ensure relevance and effectiveness. This full-time position prioritizes hands-on engagement, collaboration, and mission alignment, offering a meaningful career in workforce development within the food industry.

Job Requirements

  • Associate's degree preferred or equivalent experience
  • Minimum two years full-time professional kitchen experience or five years foodservice management experience
  • Experience training and leading culinary classes
  • Ability to work with individuals facing employment barriers
  • ServSafe Manager and Instructor Certification or willingness to obtain
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to adapt and adjust teaching methods
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • High energy and strong initiative
  • Capacity for critical thinking and creative problem solving
  • Physical ability to stand and walk for long periods
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Comfortable operating commercial kitchen equipment
  • Willingness to wear protective gear as required

Job Qualifications

  • Associate's degree from an accredited culinary school preferred
  • Two years full-time experience in a professional kitchen
  • Prior instructional experience a plus
  • Alternatively, five years foodservice or related management experience
  • Experience effectively training and leading classes in kitchen and classroom environments
  • Experience working with individuals overcoming employment barriers a plus
  • ServSafe Manager and Instructor Certified, or willingness to become certified
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Flexibility and willingness to evaluate and improve program design

Job Duties

  • Master and implement the culinary training curriculum and develop supplemental lessons
  • Develop and adjust the 12-week classroom and kitchen schedule for curriculum and student needs
  • Teach all culinary classes and lead student assessments including written and practical evaluations
  • Reinforce culinary and life skills concepts through practical applications
  • Oversee the ServSafe Food Manager training program including instruction and proctoring
  • Coordinate the two-week internship program including student placement, supervision, and internship provider relationship management
  • Maintain understanding of student needs and barriers through collaboration with RISE staff
  • Participate in student prescreening, intake, orientation, and case conferences
  • Provide data to support student academic records maintenance
  • Engage local food service and manufacturing communities through meetings, field trips, and guest lecturers
  • Ensure safe handling of training equipment and maintain a hazard-free kitchen environment
  • Procure food products following FeedMore procedures and assist as needed
  • Complete daily kitchen setup and oversee student clean-up efforts
  • Assist with mission work including food distribution and meal preparation
  • Perform other duties to support RISE and FeedMore

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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