Culinary Life Skills Coach

Job Location

Day & Employment (01) - Needham, MA 02492

Full Time

$21.28 - $21.28 per hour

Day

Employment & Day Services

Hourly/Non-Exempt

Program Director

The Culinary Life Skills Coach is responsible for the direct supervision, training, and care of individuals in community and program settings. This role involves implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs), supporting participants in developing essential life and work skills, and collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams to foster independence and personal growth. The Culinary Life Skills Coach will work specifically with the food preparation program.

• Act as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, safe practices, and a positive work attitude.
• Support individuals in work skills, personal care, socialization, behavioral skills, self‑advocacy, and daily routines.
• Facilitate culinary related group and individualized learning activities in both community and program settings.
• Create training curriculum around culinary skills, special diets and employment in the culinary field.
• Implement teaching strategies to promote independence and achieve ISP goals.
• Provide feedback on individuals' strengths, challenges, and interests to the Sr. Life Skills Coach and Program Director.
• Assist in developing dynamic and engaging schedules tailored to individuals' needs.
• Ensure community safety, provide individual oversight, and operate company vehicles, including passenger vans, in compliance with Charles River policies and state laws.
• Conduct needs assessments and assist in person‑centered planning and goal‑setting.
• Support individual and group employment activities, encouraging community integration and relationships.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe environments in the program, community settings, and vehicles.
• Monitor individuals during lunch, breaks, and transportation, ensuring safety and well‑being.

• Implement Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies as guided by the Program and Clinical Directors.
• Assist in crisis interventions, including behavior management and emergency restraint interventions.
• Accurately and promptly document incident reports and related paperwork.
• Consistently uphold Human Rights Policies to ensure dignity and respect for all individuals.

• Complete all required documentation, including attendance records, fire drill reports, ISP data sheets, behavior plan documentation, and safety logs.
• Utilize agency software programs (Paycom and Icentrix) for time tracking and record‑keeping.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and procedures.

• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Builds positive and professional relationships with individuals, families, and staff.
• Teamwork &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Dependability:
  Consistently follows through on responsibilities with accuracy and reliability.
• Communication:
  Demonstrates clear verbal and written communication in both individual and group settings.
• Planning & Organization:
  Manages multiple tasks, prioritizes responsibilities, and adapts to changing conditions.
• Initiative & Problem‑Solving:
  Demonstrates self‑reliance, independent thinking, and proactive decision‑making.
• Management & Leadership:
  Supports and enforces agency policies, setting a positive example for staff and individuals.
• Serv Safe certification. Will be provided, if not already certified.
• Flexibility in working across multiple locations/settings.

• High School Diploma required.
• Experience in Human Services preferred.
• Experience in culinary/food service preferred.
• Successful completion of all state and agency‑mandated training courses.
• Knowledge of Normalization and Community Inclusion principles.
• Must pass a Criminal History Background Check (CORI), DPPC, DDS, and other screenings.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and agency software programs.

Fluent in English, with the ability to read, interpret, and write reports. Effective communication in individual and group settings with participants, families, and team members.

• Must have endurance and physical ability to perform job duties.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle materials and tools.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs from floor to waist and 10–15 lbs from waist to overhead.
• Must be able to maneuver up to 100 lbs (assistance provided when possible).
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions. Adaptability in problem‑solving and responding to dynamic work environments.