cooking instructor

BRANCH: Oak Street
LOCATION: Ridgewood, NJ
REPORTS TO: Director of Childcare + Camp
POSITION TYPE: Seasonal (Summer), Part-Time, Non-Exempt
PAYRATE: $17.00-$26.00 hourly

OUR CULTURE: At the Ridgewood Y, our mission and core values come to life through our culture. Guided by our four pillars—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—we live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we have been committed to serving youth, adults, and families across Northern New Jersey and the Camp Bernie area since 1902, as part of the worldwide YMCA movement. Through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we create meaningful connections that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Our team is dependable, hardworking, and always ready to roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and showing up for one another—because together, we are stronger. If you’re looking to make a difference and be part of a mission-driven team, Ridgewood Y is the place for you! The Ridgewood YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We believe our strength lies in our diversity and are committed to being an inclusive organization. We welcome applicants from any and all walks of life.

BENEFITS:

  • Complimentary individual membership to the Ridgewood YMCA, or discounted family membership. Membership includes access to pools, fitness centers, and group fitness classes.
  • Retirement Savings & 403(b) Smart Account after eligibility requirements are met

POSITION SUMMARY: The Cooking Instructor at the Ridgewood YMCA provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation to participants, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational experience during each session. This role is responsible for planning and delivering age-appropriate cooking lessons, demonstrating proper kitchen techniques and food safety practices, and encouraging participant participation and skill development.

JOB FUNCTION:

  • Develop engaging recipes and lead school aged children in cooking lessons.
  • Teach basic kitchen skills including washing, cutting, grating, stirring, measuring, nutrition, and more as well as the history, geography, and language behind recipes to kids.
  • Maintains records as required (e.g., attendance, progress reports).
  • Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
  • Organizes and puts away Cooking Class equipment. Reports damaged equipment.
  • Substitute as a Camp Counselor when needed to assist with supervision and activities at a counselor rate.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred
  • Current ServSafe Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain before teaching
  • Experience working with children in a camp, school, or childcare setting preferred.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow health and safety protocols.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

  • The physical demands outlined in this job description are crucial for successfully performing the essential functions of this role. These demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee. We are committed to making reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
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