Culinary Arts Instructor

Organizational Background:

Founded in 1971, Y.O.U. is an Evanston-based non-profit that partners with families, schools, and the community to provide academic, social, and emotional support to close the opportunity gap and prepare all youth for post-secondary and life success. Each year, Y.O.U. provides over 300 youth across 9 school sites with free, holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, mental health counseling, and experiential learning through partnerships. Our staff are a diverse collection of passionate individuals, committed to social justice, trauma-informed care, inclusion, equity, and anti-racist ideologies, and helping youth realize their full potential.

Summary of Role

Y.O.U. is looking for an experienced and passionate CULINARY ARTS Enrichment Instructor to join our team! Culinary Arts Enrichment Instructors collaborate with site teams to support learning and growth for youth in a specific curricular area in our Summer programs. They create curriculum and deliver instruction/enrichment activities that support student learning through the integration of appropriate standards and a focus on social and emotional learning.

• The Culinary Arts Instructor will provide services to Y.O.U's elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged youth in Evanston, IL.
• This is a part-time hourly position with a pay rate of $25-$40 per hour (commensurate with education and experience). All instructors’ schedules are determined by OST Program Leadership based on site needs and instructor availability. Instructional activities may occur from 1-5 days per week, for an estimate of 2-4 hours per day. Enrichment programs take place Monday-Friday. The Culinary Arts Instructor must be available during a block of program hours on assigned days (with some flexibility based on site schedules and dismissal times).
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an engaging and interactive culinary arts curriculum that demonstrates cooking techniques and provides hands-on instruction and supervision in the kitchen.
• Create lesson plans, develop course materials, and ensure alignment with program goals and industry standards.
• Deliver group instruction for an average of 15 youth in a safe and structured environment as outlined in curriculum documents and consistent with program plans and goals.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Guide and mentor students, fostering their development as professional cooks and chefs.
• Communicate effectively with students and program staff.
• Assist with the delivery of the summer culminating presentation in concert with the site-level team.
• Build positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being.
• Supervise youth during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally appropriate, positive manner.
• Help youth build healthy positive relationships with each other, with adults, and with their families.
• Engage with parents and family members as needed to support youth.
• Demonstrate professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team behavior, performance, and productivity.
• Communicate with the Program Managers at assigned school sites in a proactive, timely, and effective manner.
• Use the site facilities with care and consideration (cleaning classrooms or workspaces at the end of the day, following program protocols for space/classroom usage)
• Continually assess and communicate with the Program Manager regarding the needs of the program activity or any issues that affect program delivery.
• Maintain timely and accurate records concerning youth participation and outcomes.
• Provide information for program evaluation and accountability purposes as needed.
• Participate in required training and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, culinary management, or a relevant field is preferred. A Culinary Arts certificate will be considered with experience.

Experience

• Experience as a personal chef, caterer, cook, etc preferred
• Experience developing/adapting and leading educational curriculum for groups of 15 or more youth.
• A deep passion for working with youth and families.
• A strong sense of teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of team members and youth.
• Personal qualities of integrity, emotional maturity, and credibility; a demonstrated history of using good judgment.

Preferred Experience

• 2+ years of experience instructing groups of elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged youth in an afterschool, school, or camp setting

Knowledge

• High Emotional and/or Social Intelligence

Preferred Skills

• Attention to detail
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving Ability
• Decision-Making Skills
• Strong Communication (verbal and written)