Culinary Instructor

Culinary Life Skills Instructor

This isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.

Our mission at Meristem is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. We strive to create a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated. We facilitate the ability of adults with autism to have full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.

Meristem is a great place to work and grow. We all work together, each of us motivating those around us with our commitment to high standards. At Meristem we have a highly motivated team, a rewarding career path and opportunities for personal growth. 

Location:             9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Status:                  Non-Exempt, Full-time

Shift:                     Monday – Friday 8:15AM PM – 4:45 PM 

Our Benefits show how much we value our team!

• $20 - $25 per hour depending on experience
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance; generous portion paid by the Foundation
• Extremely Generous Paid Holiday Schedule that includes extended holiday breaks (Spring Break – 5 days/ Thanksgiving Break- 5 Days/ Winter Break- 10 Days) in addition to 5 other holidays.
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave

This position both challenging and rewarding!

Creativity in the culinary field is a must for this position.  Having an understanding of “Farm to Table” and teaching that along with nutritional balance is what it takes to keep the platter balanced in the hands of life.  Engage with the students about how the food we eat does more than feed the body, but it fuels the whole person to be stronger, better and more connected with those around us.  Teaching food preparation, cooking techniques and keeping thing organized and safe in the kitchen are all part of the cooking enterprise at Meristem.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare developmental curriculum and implement daily instruction.
• Assess students’ abilities, connect them with projects and lessons that support them to develop their skills and track their progress through the progression.
• Record daily notes from the field based on students’ goals and objectives.
• Develop individualized plans with students as needed.
• Maintain Meristems cultural norms and be active in shaping a positive culture.
• Maintain and manage the space and materials of the classroom/dorm room spaces you use for
• instruction and as directed by supervisor.
• Attend daily and weekly staff meetings and staff check in’s
• Participate in staff training and practice the Meristem method to the best of your ability.
• Develop a professional growth plan with your immediate supervisor.
• Engage with parents as asked or directed.
• Build and manage budgets around material needs for your classes to be submitted to direct supervisor.
• Support the onboarding process of new students and staff.
• Engage in hands on director support of students generally and specifically in areas of hygiene.
• Actively familiarize and engage with the materials from the key founding bodies of work that the Meristem program is built on. (Waldorf Education, Transformative movement education, Ruskin Mill).
• Engage in collaborative educational offerings with colleagues.
• Achieve the highest level of your skills as an instructor.
• Teach other program specific content when asked (Hygiene and Medical support)
• Implement program-oriented approaches.
• Participate in student substitutions when members of the team are out.
• Experience and training in culinary education and work
• Knowledge and ability to cook for nutritional health.
• Understanding of healthy farm to fork practices.
• Ability to work with the whole processes of preparing a meal including, planning, purchasing, preparing, eating and storing/cleaning.
• Understand kitchen safety and model it for clients.
• Teach a variety of cooking techniques and skills to implement a variety of healthy recipes.
• Support clients in their weekly meal planning and process so they have healthy choices throughout the week.
• Create community experiences around the consumption of what is made.
• Develop individual nutritional plans that can be implemented with clients in the culinary classes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience.
• At least two years of experience working in direct support and hands-on care.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with a comparable participant population to meristem or similar experience.
• Familiarity with either Transformative movement education, Ruskin Mill therapeutic craft education or
• Waldorf education

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