Assistant Culinary Coordinator Bright Apron Academy

Position: Assistant Culinary Coordinator for Bright Apron Academy
LOCATION:

Northbrook and Highland Park SUPERVISOR:
Culinary Coordinator

JOB STATUS:
Seasonal / Temporary / Part Time / Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE:

Monday and Wednesday: 12:30 – 5:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30am – 2 pm

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Culinary Coordinator supports the Lead Teacher in Keshet’s Bright Apron Academy, a hands-on culinary and workplace training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and learning differences. This role assists with classroom and kitchen instruction, supports participants in developing vocational, communication, and independent living skills, and helps create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

The Bright Apron Assistant works collaboratively with staff to reinforce workplace readiness, kitchen safety, teamwork, and customer service skills while encouraging participant growth, confidence, and independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily programming, lessons, and vocational activities within the Bright Apron program

Support participants in developing workplace readiness, communication, social, and independent living skills

Reinforce kitchen safety, food handling procedures, cleanliness, and organizational standards

Provide hands-on support during culinary instruction, meal preparation, customer service, and other program activities

Encourage participant engagement, confidence, independence, and positive peer interactions

Assist with classroom management and behavior support strategies in a respectful and supportive manner

Help prepare materials, organize supplies, and maintain a clean and welcoming classroom/kitchen environment

Monitor participant progress and communicate observations or concerns to the Lead Teacher and program staff

Support participants during community-based learning, vocational experiences, and program outings as needed

Collaborate with program staff to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment

Assist with program setup, cleanup, and other administrative or operational tasks as assigned

ABOUT YOU!

High school diploma or equivalent required

Must be at least 21 years oldDSP or CNA training and hands-on caregiving experience

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or diverse learning needs required

Must obtain or currently possess the Serv Safe Food Handler Certification within 30 days of employment (Cost covered by Keshet)
Interest in vocational training, life skills instruction, and inclusive education

Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, staff, participants, and families in a team-oriented environment

Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Comfortable supporting participants in a kitchen and classroom setting while reinforcing safety procedures

Positive, patient, and flexible approach to supporting participant growth and independence

Ability to assist with light physical tasks, including standing for extended periods, lifting supplies, and supporting classroom/kitchen setup and cleanup

Previous experience in food service, hospitality, education, camps, or customer service is a plus

ABOUT KESHETFrom its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe. Keshet’s local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organization’s mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned at any time by CEO. Keshet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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