Culinary Instructor

Full-Time, 10 Month, Role Level 3

Reports To: Director of Vocational Education

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Who We Are: 

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter high school, with a singular focus on supporting youth aged 17-20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. During our 1-year alternative program, Youthbuild facilitates a warm, loving culture that uses a variety of structures to build community, such as a restorative-justice approach to discipline, weekly community meetings, and school-wide service projects. Students are empowered to attain their high school diploma and vocational certifications, while receiving unconditional support by the staff around them. At YouthBuild, we work intentionally to disrupt the cycle of poverty and support our students to achieve post-secondary success (4-year college, 2-year college, vocational training program, or liveable wage job). Visit https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/ to learn more.

The Opportunity: 

The YouthBuild Culinary Instructor primary responsibility is to help students get ready for entry- to mid-level jobs in the foodservice industry while combining transferrable 21st-century skills to help students be ready for success in their academic and professional goals. They will be in charge of supervising the culinary arts curriculum, managing the ServSafe training program, imparting job readiness lessons, and organizing field excursions and special guest chefs. In addition, the Culinary Instructor will guide students in creating nutritious foods and goods that will be given to nonprofit partners.

Who You Are: 

You are/have…

• Invested in our core values - Respect, Excellence and Perseverance.
• Equity-focused and believe that all students can achieve. 
• Passionate about community service and civic engagement.
• Excited to mentor students and support them throughout their time at YouthBuild and beyond.
• Collaborative and dedicated to personal and professional development.
• Two years of teaching or training experience, preferred.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred. Additional experience and industry certifications may be considered in lieu of degree.

What You’ll Do:

You will… 

• Establish a positive and productive learning environment based on strong relationships with students and implement restorative practices to support students.
• Plan and implement hands-on lessons to teach culinary skills in YB’s commercial kitchen space as well as lessons on culinary knowledge and safety standards in the classroom.
• Assess student mastery of skills and knowledge and adjust instruction accordingly to support students.
• Administer ServSafe testing with the goal of all students achieving Food Handlers and Managers certifications.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner chefs and organizations to bring in guest presenters, create external exposure experiences, and build innovative partnership opportunities.
• Manage processes and student routines for food and supply inventory and ordering, kitchen maintenance, and cleanup.
• Oversee meal preparation and distribution to partner hunger relief agencies.
• Collaborate with the other YB Culinary instructor to streamline systems and maximize opportunities for students.
• Collaborate with the specialized services team to ensure student success, by providing teacher input, attending IEP meetings and ensuring all students receive accommodations and modifications per the  students’ IEPs and/or English language needs. 
• Work in inter-departmental teams to support the success of a group of students as they move through our rigorous program.
• Track student progress, give frequent actionable feedback to students and document student progress to the greater community through PowerSchool.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and collaborate with the YB team to revise curriculum and learning experiences to match industry needs.
• Serve as a mentor to 4-5 students building relationships, monitoring progress, and providing support and accountability to reach their goals.
• Participate in a highly collaborative, fluid school culture that requires strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the Director of Vocational Education.

What We Offer You: 

• Generous time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) savings plan with an employer match
• Employer paid parental leave, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability 
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Strong community support and involvement

Salary Range:

New YouthBuild staff can expect a starting salary of between $52,500-$71,250 based on years of experience, education, and certifications, if applicable.

During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss our employee total rewards package and additional benefits.

Apply Here

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. 

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.