Cook-Food Skills Trainer

Salary: $25.00 per hour 

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is seeking a Cook- Food Skills Trainer will manager daily kitchen operations and provides hands-on culinary training that prepares students for entry-level food service employment. Responsibilities include preparing large quantities of food from standardized recipes; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and organizational procedures; and teaching foundational culinary, food safety, sanitation, and meal-preparation skills.

For over 35 years, Our Daily Bread Employment Center has offered daily hot meals, case management, job training, and employment counseling to Baltimore City residents. We believe access to healthy food is a human right and a collective responsibility. Meeting this need demands sustained commitment from staff, volunteers, donors, and the wider community and every one of us plays an integral role.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and delivers engaging, hands-on instruction in culinary techniques, knife skills, food safety, sanitation, cooking methods, food service, and the preparation of simple, nutritious meals; ensures lessons are organized, accessible, and aligned with students’ employment-readiness goals.
• Guides and supports students through coaching, constructive feedback, and encouragement; assesses and documents student progress, skill development, and readiness for employment, and follows through on identified training needs.
• Plans menus that support balanced portions, nutritional value, and efficient use of donated food supplies; coordinates meal preparation and presentation for special events; maintains appropriate inventory levels, stock rotation, and waste controls to support consistent meal quality.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable health, safety, and sanitation requirements and is accountable for implementing compliant practices for food handling, storage, preparation, and the safe operation of kitchen equipment.
• Oversees kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, ensures students and employees consistently follow established procedures, conducts routine safety checks, promptly addresses identified hazards, and reinforces practices that reduce foodborne illness and workplace accidents.
• Receives and inspects food donations for quality and safety; ensures perishable and nonperishable items are promptly stored, labeled, organized, and maintained under appropriate conditions; and addresses unacceptable or unsafe items in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains accurate, timely records and statistics related to kitchen operations, inventory, training activities, and other required program measures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• At least one year of kitchen supervisory and/or training experience.
• At least two years of cooking experience in a commercial kitchen or restaurant environment.
• Working knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

Certification/Licensure:

• Must hold a current ServSafe® Food Handler certification at the time of hire or obtain the certification within three months of employment and maintain it thereafter.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates accountability by consistently being punctual and maintaining reliable attendance.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal skills with a courteous and professional demeanor toward staff, clients, volunteers, and visitors.
• Maintains a safe environment for food service trainees and co-workers by following established safety and food-handling protocols, promptly addressing hazards, and promoting accountability for workplace well-being.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clear and effective instruction, feedback, and workplace communication.
• Exhibits strong relational and customer service skills, building supportive professional relationships with food service trainees and other stakeholders.
• Displays excellent organizational skills and attention to detail when planning instruction, managing inventory, maintaining records, and coordinating kitchen operations.
• Demonstrates accountability by working independently and managing day-to-day kitchen responsibilities with minimal direction or supervision.
• Demonstrates patience and composure while teaching and supporting individuals with diverse personalities, abilities, and needs.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of safety hazards and the proper use of cleaning and sanitizing solutions to maintain a safe, hygienic kitchen environment.
• Takes accountability for keeping the kitchen, equipment, storage areas, and workspaces clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Applies strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to address operational, instructional, safety, and food-service challenges.
• Effectively prioritizes tasks and coordinates activities to support efficient kitchen operations, quality instruction, and timely meal service.
• Ability to use, or willingness to learn computer systems and software, necessary to perform the duties of the position. This includes, but is not limited to, basic computer skills, web browsing, online training, and email usage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• No remote or hybrid work availability based on core and essential functions of the position.
• Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role.
• Moves throughout the work area and between work sites as needed to complete assigned duties, including walking, standing, and traveling to required locations. Must have reliable transportation and be available to report to work and complete essential job responsibilities regardless of weather conditions, except when travel or operations are restricted by organizational direction or public safety authorities.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50lbs in all directions, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties.
• Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines.
• Operates commercial kitchen machinery and equipment to complete food preparation and service tasks while following established handling, safety, cleaning, and maintenance procedures.
• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.
• May require working in compact or enclosed kitchen and food-storage areas, including walk-in refrigerators, freezers, pantries, and spaces around equipment where movement may be limited. Employees must follow established safety procedures, remain alert to temperature and ventilation conditions, and use required protective equipment when performing assigned tasks.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution 
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer

Salary : $25