Teaching Kitchen Culinary Instructor

Overview of BLOC Ministries: 

BLOC Ministries is an inner-city ministry committed to living and serving in the neighborhoods we call home. Our mission is to build meaningful relationships with our neighbors and share hope in the midst of brokenness. We intentionally serve underserved communities, walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, consistency, and care.

With a team of approximately 80 staff members, BLOC serves the community through a variety of ministries, including after-school programs, job training, a sports performance center, a hospitality home for unhoused women, recovery homes for men and women, a coffee shop, equine-assisted learning, an immigrant welcome center, and other programs designed to meet practical needs, build relationships, and love our neighbors well.

Position Summary

The Teaching Kitchen Culinary Instructor will oversee daily Teaching Kitchen operations, deliver established culinary curriculum to children and adults, including individuals with special needs, and support exhibition-style cooking demonstrations and catering events. This role requires a dependable, personable professional who is passionate about using food to build connection, teach practical skills, and strengthen community impact.

During the school year, this position leads the afterschool Teaching Kitchen program at IDEA School, delivering a pre-built curriculum in a structured, engaging, and safe learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Afterschool Program (IDEA School)

• Plan, prepare, and lead afterschool Teaching Kitchen sessions using BLOC Ministries' existing curriculum:

• Tuesday: 3:30–6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 2:00–4:00 PM
• Thursday: 3:30–6:00 PM

• Create a welcoming, structured, and safe learning environment for children, including those from underserved or at-risk backgrounds
• Track student participation, progress, and any needed curriculum adjustments

Teaching Kitchen Operations

• Run cooking classes and programming for children and adults, including individuals with special needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen in compliance with food safety standards
• Manage kitchen inventory, supplies, and equipment
• Support scheduling and logistics for kitchen programming

Exhibition Cooking & Catering

• Lead or assist with exhibition-style cooking demonstrations for community and special events
• Plan and execute catering orders, including menu prep, cooking, setup, and service
• Represent BLOC Ministries professionally at events, some of which may occur on evenings or weekends

Administrative & Communication

• Communicate clearly and consistently with BLOC Ministries leadership, IDEA School staff, and program participants/families
• Use computer skills for scheduling, email, basic record-keeping, and curriculum documentation
• Support growth initiatives as the Teaching Kitchen program expands

Qualifications

Required

• Must be able to successfully complete and maintain required BCI and FBI background checks 
• Prior experience in food service, culinary instruction, or catering
  
• Basic computer proficiency (email, scheduling tools, document management)
• Reliable transportation and consistent availability are required, as program continuity depends on dependable staff presence.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and overtime for special events
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25–30 lbs, and work in a kitchen environment

Preferred

• Experience working with children, individuals with special needs, or in a nonprofit/community setting
• Experience with classroom or group facilitation
• Bilingual abilities a plus
  

Work Schedule

• Up to 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday
• Fixed afterschool commitment at IDEA School (Tue/Wed/Thu, as listed above)
• Additional hours for kitchen prep, catering, and administrative work
• Occasional evenings/weekends and overtime during special events

Mission & Culture Fit: 

The ideal candidate demonstrates a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and supports BLOC Ministries' mission, vision, and values. This person leads with integrity, humility, compassion, and consistency and sees teaching as an opportunity to invest in the whole person—not simply to develop culinary skills.

We are looking for someone who believes in the potential of others, enjoys building relationships, and is passionate about equipping people with practical skills that can lead to greater confidence, stability, and opportunity.