CTE Paraeducator - Culinary Arts Program - WSTSC;

This is a CTE Para educator position for the Culinary Arts Program at West Sound Technical Skills Center.

The Culinary Arts Program para educator supports the instructional and daily operational needs of the Culinary Arts program. Working closely with the lead chef/instructor, this position provides hands-on support in the kitchen lab, supervises and mentors students, reinforces food safety and industry standards, and assists with culinary demonstrations and student skill development. The position also supports kitchen and dining operations, including inventory, equipment, catering and student-run food service, while providing additional assistance to students with specialized learning needs.

This role helps create a safe, organized, and professional learning environment that prepares students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.

A background in restaurants or food industry is preferred.

The CTE/STEM Para educator is responsible for performing various instructional and classroom support services including academic and vocational instructional programs, scientific instructional programs, and extension educational activities. Duties typically include assisting in the individualized or group instruction of students in development of learning skills; or working with faculty or instructors in preparing, modifying, and/or developing instructional programs, teaching aids, materials and equipment associated with shop, classroom, or laboratory instruction which requires them to have technical knowledge of the discipline(s).

Reports to and evaluated by:
Director

• Assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods; assist in the classroom with self-help needs
• Help with vocational training activities and maintains safety and discipline while instructor gives individual attention to students
• Prepare materials for use in classrooms, laboratories or instructional shops; set up assignments, equipment or demonstration apparatus for classes; confers with instructor in establishing and developing assignments
• Conduct ordering of materials and supplies used in classes; assist instructors in demonstration of tools, equipment, machinery, apparatus and materials
• Modify equipment, materials and programs as required for individual instructors; assist students and instructors in selecting correct tools and materials
• Instruct students in the safe operation and maintenance of shop equipment; supervise and direct the safety procedures of lab and shop space; monitor and assist teachers in monitoring safe use of lab and shop
• Catalogue equipment and supplies for easy acquisitions
• Maintain records of work activities and prepares reports
• Assist instructors in preparing, administering, and grading labs in a timely manner to inform students of their progress
• Supervise students and enforces assigned area rules; corrects students as necessary to maintain a safe environment; oversee student activities and safety in assigned area, ensuring all safety measures are being utilized
• Understand and implement the requirements of MSDS sheets, when appropriate
• Provide a secure location for lab resources and tools and monitors inventory
• Perform cleaning, repairing and preventive maintenance on lab equipment and tools as necessary
• Attend meetings and professional development as required to improve knowledge and maintain skills
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent and 72 college credits or an AA Degree are required
• Experience:
  
  previous experience with today’s youth in a school environment preferred; experience with labs or shops preferred; familiarity with the uses and interactions of chemicals preferred
• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment and tools
• Must possess technology skills and familiarity with common computer software
• Must have ability and compassion to work with students of all abilities and behavior levels
• Possess effective interpersonal skills and be able to interact and communicate successfully with students and teachers
• Must possess flexibility to respond to changing assignments from multiple teachers
• Ability to function in a calm, efficient, courteous manner under stress and to exercise careful judgment, confidentiality and tact in the performance of duties
• Must maintain consistent attendance and adhere to regularly-assigned work hours