Lead Program Chef (Education and Workforce TEP)

Organization Overview: The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit, multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Position Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and Program Chef to lead and inspire a group of enthusiastic teens in exploring the world of cooking and culinary arts. The facilitator will be responsible for planning and coordinating daily program meals, club activities, teaching culinary skills and techniques, and fostering a fun and educational environment for club members. This role requires excellent cooking knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to engage and mentor young aspiring chefs.

Under the supervision of the Summer Teen Program Manager, the Program Chef will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties:

Schedule: 20 hours per week (seasonal)

Hourly Rate: $24.00/hr

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties:

• Create and execute 4-5 weekly menus, including meals created during cooking club
• Facilitate arts-based workshops for teens between 12-19 years of age, adjusting lesson plans for the age groups.
• Plan and lead cooking club activities, including regular meetings, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on culinary experiences.
• Teach club members fundamental cooking techniques, including knife skills, food preparation, cooking methods, and recipe execution.
• Introduce club members to various cuisines, culinary traditions, and cooking styles to broaden their culinary knowledge and skills.
• Organize cooking challenges, themed cooking competitions, and food-related games to promote teamwork and creativity among club members.
• Teach and promote safe food handling practices, proper hygiene, and kitchen etiquette to ensure a safe and clean cooking environment.
• Provide guidance and support to club members in recipe selection, menu planning, and ingredient sourcing.
• Demonstrate and assist club members in using cooking equipment and appliances, and offer guidance on selecting appropriate tools for different culinary tasks.
• Encourage club members to explore their creativity in the kitchen, experiment with flavors and ingredients, and develop their own unique recipes.
• Foster a positive and inclusive club atmosphere where club members can share their culinary creations, exchange ideas, and provide constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with club members to organize cooking-related events, such as food fairs, pop-up restaurants, or community cooking demonstrations.
• Maintain an inventory of cooking club supplies, restocking materials as needed.
• Provide guidance and support in organizing exhibitions or displays to showcase participants' work.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and workshops, seeking feedback from participants and making necessary adjustments.
• Support the coordination of a showcase Family & Friends event highlighting youth achievements, artifacts and/or performances in specialty area
• Provide support through encouragement and delivering resources
• Serve as a role model to youth, always maintaining professionalism and preparedness.
• Utilize positive youth development strategies to resolve behavioral challenges and celebrate youth achievement.
• Participate in pre-program and ongoing professional development opportunities and daily staff meetings in add