Culinary Specialist –Afterschool Program
About The Position
New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is hiring a Culinary Specialist for its afterschool program at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Openings vary across more than 30 sites throughout the school year. NYJTL provides free tennis and academic programs at sites throughout New York City and aims to develop young people’s character through tennis and education. The Culinary Specialist provides hands-on culinary programming for middle school students in grades 6–8, building practical life skills, creativity, independence, and healthy decision-making. Students learn food preparation, kitchen safety, nutrition, meal planning, and basic cooking techniques while exploring different cuisines and cultures. The specialist encourages student ownership of recipes and projects and creates opportunities for student-led demonstrations and showcases. This is a part-time position of up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Start and end times may vary by site assignment. Availability during these hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. The role also requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours.
Requirements
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
- At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, 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 using 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.
- 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, kitchen safety, food handling, sanitation, and cleanup procedures.
- Introduce nutrition, healthy eating, meal planning, and food budgeting.
- Expose students to different cuisines, cultures, ingredients, and cooking traditions.
- Develop age-appropriate recipes, culinary projects, sequential project-based units, and lesson plans.
- 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, clean, and safe culinary/activity space.
- Encourage collaboration, student leadership, creativity, and persistence, including through student-led cooking demonstrations, tastings, or showcases.
- Lead inclusive, hands-on sessions differentiated for varied skill and grade levels; establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
- Build strong relationships with youth and 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, planning sessions, and required special events.
- Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times and follow agency and DYCD policies.
- Maintain attendance, sign-in/out, and other required program documentation.
- Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
