Teaching Kitchen Culinary Instructor

BLOC Ministries•Cincinnati, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

BLOC Ministries is an inner-city ministry committed to living and serving in the neighborhoods we call home. Our mission is to build meaningful relationships with our neighbors and share hope in the midst of brokenness. We intentionally serve underserved communities, walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, consistency, and care. With a team of approximately 80 staff members, BLOC serves the community through a variety of ministries, including after-school programs, job training, a sports performance center, a hospitality home for unhoused women, recovery homes for men and women, a coffee shop, equine-assisted learning, an immigrant welcome center, and other programs designed to meet practical needs, build relationships, and love our neighbors well. 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
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: Tuesday: 3:30–6:00 PM, Wednesday: 2:00–4:00 PM, Thursday: 3:30–6:00 PM
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