Workforce Development (WFD) Chef Instructor

FeedMore Western New York, Inc•Buffalo, NY

7d•$30 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The WFD Chef Instructor has oversight, in partnership with the Chief Workforce Development Officer, for all educational efforts associated with the RISE (Readying Individuals for Success & Employment) Culinary/Food Manufacturing training program. The RISE Culinary program is designed for people with high barriers to employment in order to gain critical skills that will enable them to obtain and retain gainful employment in the growing regional food industry. As such, the WFD Chef Instructor is teaching and cooking alongside students from often challenging backgrounds and helping them navigate those life challenges to ensure future job success. This role includes ongoing refinement of curriculum as well as classroom and kitchen instruction, and life skills education. The instructor also coordinates student internships between formal coursework and graduation. This role is responsible for creating a positive learning environment in the kitchen and classroom and driving student success.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited culinary school preferred, plus 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 / leading classes in both the kitchen and class environment
Experience working with individuals who are overcoming barriers to employment a plus
ServSafe Manager & Instructor Certified, or willingness and ability to become so with FeedMore support
Flexibility and willingness to evaluate and improve program design
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation
Ability to adapt, improvise, and adjust for size of class and class ability
Self-directed, able to work independently as well as part of a team
Strong organizational and time management skills
High energy level, strong sense of initiative, critical thinking, creative problem solving, flexibility, and discretion
Demonstrated understanding of student challenges and cultural differences

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited culinary school preferred
Prior instructional experience a plus
Experience working with individuals who are overcoming barriers to employment a plus
Willingness and ability to become ServSafe Manager & Instructor Certified with FeedMore support

Responsibilities

Masters and implements the identified culinary training curriculum and develops relevant, supplemental lessons to complement the curriculum
Develops and adjusts the 12-week classroom and kitchen schedule to accommodate the curriculum, student learning needs, and employer/industry-informed needs
Teaches all culinary classes and leads student assessments, including regular written assessments and hands-on practical evaluations
Ensures both culinary and life skills concepts are reinforced through practical application
Oversees the ServSafe Food Manager training program including instruction and proctoring
Coordinates two-week internship program, including student placement and supervision, issues resolution and maintenance / growth of internship provider relationships
Maintains an understanding of the needs, skills, and barriers of upcoming and current students through collaboration with the CWFDO and other RISE staff
Participates in initial prescreening, intake interviewing, and orientation of students
Provides necessary data to RISE support staff to maintain student academic records (e.g. attendance, assessment scores, completion of steps toward certifications)
Participates in case conferences, when relevant, to assess and develop action plan for participants who may be struggling
Works with CWFDO to engage the local food service and food manufacturing communities through employer meetings, scheduling field trips, and guest lecturers
Ensures that all training equipment and materials are handled safely and respectfully and ensures an environment free of hazards that is safe and sanitary
Procures food product utilizing FeedMore’s established procedures and vendors with assistance from FeedMore’s other procurement professionals as needed
Completes daily set up of kitchen for appointed lessons and oversees student clean-up efforts
Assists with any and all mission work as needed and requested with some or no prior notice including, but not limited to: serving as a truck spotter, helping with Farm Market/Community Garden/Freight Farms/on and off-site food distributions, preparation of meals and serving home-delivered meals
Completes all other duties as assigned in order to support RISE and FeedMore