Culinary Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis League,Inc•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Specialist provides hands-on culinary programming for middle school students in grades 6–8, helping them develop practical life skills, creativity, independence, and healthy decision-making. Students learn food preparation, kitchen safety, nutrition, meal planning, food budgeting, and basic cooking techniques while exploring different cuisines and cultures. The specialist encourages students to take ownership of recipes and projects and creates opportunities for student-led demonstrations, tastings, or showcases. This position is based at NYJTL after-school program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, or Manhattan. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM; exact start and end times may vary by site. The position is up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, and candidates are expected to be available during these hours, including some school holidays. Selected candidates are expected to work through the school year ending in June 2027. NYJTL is a nonprofit organization providing free tennis and educational programs across New York City. Its mission is to develop young people’s character through tennis and education, supporting success on and off the court.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school programs, camps, schools, or recreational programs.
Demonstrated experience in culinary arts, cooking, baking, nutrition, hospitality, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of kitchen safety, sanitation, and food-handling practices.
Ability to teach cooking skills in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate manner.
Strong organization, communication, and classroom management skills.
Ability to safely supervise students while they use kitchen equipment and supplies.
Ability to accommodate different skill levels and dietary considerations.
Creative, patient, dependable, and comfortable working with groups of adolescents.
High school diploma or GED.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school students or adolescents.
Culinary training, certification, hospitality experience, or equivalent experience.
Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate hands-on cooking, baking, and culinary activities.
Teach students basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen safety.
Introduce nutrition, healthy eating, meal planning, and food budgeting.
Expose students to different cuisines, cultures, ingredients, and cooking traditions.
Develop age-appropriate recipes and culinary projects.
Teach proper food handling, sanitation, and cleanup procedures.
Encourage students to work collaboratively and take leadership roles.
Create opportunities for student-led cooking demonstrations, tastings, or showcases.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe culinary environment.
Maintain attendance and required program documentation.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for varying skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build strong relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.