Instructional Coach - Cooking/Gardening

Sycamore Services Inc•Danville, IN

About The Position

The Instructional Coach – Cooking & Gardening bridges the gap between Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and the Program Facilitator by assisting with curriculum planning and training DSP staff in instructional delivery related to culinary and horticultural programming. The role supports quality programming by developing lesson plans, coaching staff, and ensuring consistency of services across the program. The Instructional Coach is also required to carry out DSP responsibilities. The position provides guidance, modeling, and coaching to DSPs on instructional strategies and consumer engagement; assists with staff training and professional development; monitors performance and provides constructive feedback; and supports the Program Facilitator with scheduling, planning, and staff coverage. It also serves as a point of escalation for concerns related to instructional practices or consumer engagement. The role assists in designing curriculum and lesson plans focused on cooking, nutrition, food safety, gardening, and horticultural activities; collaborates with the Program Facilitator to coordinate instructional schedules; and models instruction in kitchen and garden environments. It maintains kitchen, garden, and related program spaces, supports DSPs in aligning activities with person-centered goals and participant abilities, assists with data collection and outcome tracking, and promotes consumer choice, independence, and skill-building through hands-on instruction. The coach provides direct support coverage as required, ensures individuals receive information in their preferred mode of communication, serves as the program expert for cooking and gardening activities, and upholds program policies and agency standards. The position may suit a retired cook, someone who enjoys agriculture, or a college student looking to enhance a cooking or gardening hobby.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
Ability to train and model instructional techniques.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to lift at least 35 pounds.
Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods.
Ability to assist consumers with physical and personal support needs.
Willingness to travel to program and community sites.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is strongly preferred.
Experience with cooking, food preparation, gardening, or horticulture is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide guidance, modeling, and coaching to DSPs on instructional strategies and consumer engagement.
Assist with training and professional development of DSP staff.
Monitor performance and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality standards are met.
Support the Program Facilitator with scheduling, planning, and staff coverage.
Serve as a point of escalation for concerns related to instructional practices or consumer engagement.
Assist in designing curriculum and lesson plans focused on cooking, nutrition, food safety, gardening, and horticultural activities.
Collaborate with the Program Facilitator to coordinate instructional schedules.
Model instructional delivery in kitchen and garden environments.
Maintain kitchen, garden, and related program spaces, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization.
Support DSPs in aligning activities with person-centered goals and participant abilities.
Assist with data collection, documentation, and outcome tracking.
Promote consumer choice, independence, and skill-building through hands-on instruction.
Provide direct support coverage on the floor as required.
Ensure individuals receive information in their preferred mode of communication.
Serve as the program expert for cooking and gardening activities.
Uphold program policies and agency standards.