Teaching Kitchen Culinary Instructor

BLOC Ministries•Cincinnati, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teaching Kitchen Culinary Instructor will oversee daily Teaching Kitchen operations, deliver established culinary curriculum to children and adults, including individuals with special needs, and support exhibition-style cooking demonstrations and catering events. This role requires a dependable, personable professional who is passionate about using food to build connection, teach practical skills, and strengthen community impact. During the school year, this position leads the afterschool Teaching Kitchen program at IDEA School, delivering a pre-built curriculum in a structured, engaging, and safe learning environment.

Requirements

Must be able to successfully complete and maintain required BCI and FBI background checks.
Prior experience in food service, culinary instruction, or catering.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Basic computer proficiency (email, scheduling tools, document management).
Reliable transportation and consistent availability are required, as program continuity depends on dependable staff presence.
ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
Flexibility to work occasional weekends and overtime for special events.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25–30 lbs, and work in a kitchen environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children, individuals with special needs, or in a nonprofit/community setting.
Experience with classroom or group facilitation.
Bilingual abilities a plus.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and lead afterschool Teaching Kitchen sessions using BLOC Ministries' existing curriculum.
Create a welcoming, structured, and safe learning environment for children, including those from underserved or at-risk backgrounds.
Track student participation, progress, and any needed curriculum adjustments.
Run cooking classes and programming for children and adults, including individuals with special needs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen in compliance with food safety standards.
Manage kitchen inventory, supplies, and equipment.
Support scheduling and logistics for kitchen programming.
Lead or assist with exhibition-style cooking demonstrations for community and special events.
Plan and execute catering orders, including menu prep, cooking, setup, and service.
Represent BLOC Ministries professionally at events, some of which may occur on evenings or weekends.
Communicate clearly and consistently with BLOC Ministries leadership, IDEA School staff, and program participants/families.
Use computer skills for scheduling, email, basic record-keeping, and curriculum documentation.
Support growth initiatives as the Teaching Kitchen program expands.