Workforce Development Chef

Church at the Park•Salem, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Development Chef leads a mission-driven commercial kitchen that serves as both a high-functioning food service operation and a hands-on training environment. This role combines culinary leadership, workforce training, and mentorship to equip young adults experiencing homelessness or other barriers to employment with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The Workforce Development Chef provides direct instruction, coaching, and day-to-day operational leadership while maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, and efficiency. This role requires the ability to balance real-time kitchen operations with individualized participant support in a structured, trauma-informed learning environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in commercial food service or similar culinary environments.
Experience training, teaching, supervising, mentoring, or coaching others.
Current Food Handler Card and SERV Safe Manager Certification, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
Valid Oregon driver's license meeting organizational insurance requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, culinary certificate, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent culinary training preferred.
Experience operating a training kitchen or culinary workforce development program.
Experience working with young adults or individuals facing barriers to employment.
Training or experience in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or workforce coaching.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to the communities served.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary culinary instructor, delivering hands-on training aligned with curriculum, lesson plans, and program objectives
Provide structured instruction that includes demonstrations, guided practice, skill checks, and real-time coaching
Teach and model industry standards, including professionalism, communication, teamwork, time management, and accountability
Support participants in developing job readiness, transferable skills, and workplace habits
Track and document participant progress, attendance, certifications, and skill attainment while maintaining confidentiality
Collaborate with the Workforce Development Program Manager to implement and refine curriculum, training materials, and program delivery
Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food production, menu planning, and service workflows
Ensure efficient, high-quality meal preparation in a fast-paced, training-focused environment
Maintain standards for food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and kitchen organization
Monitor food quality, portion control, and storage practices in compliance with applicable health and safety requirements
Ensure proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment
Provide direction, coaching, and support to staff, trainees, and volunteers within the kitchen and training environment
Delegate tasks clearly, monitor performance, and reinforce expectations
Promote a safe, respectful, and productive work environment
Partner with the Workforce Development Program Manager and team members to support participant success and operational needs
Demonstrate commitment to Church at the Park’s mission, trauma-informed care principles, and a culture of dignity and belonging.
Practice an Outward Mindset and utilize Nonviolent Communication principles to support respectful, effective interactions.
Build strong, trust-based relationships through empathy, consistency, and accountability.
Contribute to continuous improvement and mission-aligned decision-making across the Workforce Development Program.