• Job Description

  Req#: 536163

  Resume AND cover letter are required.

  ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:

  DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover, and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.

  DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

  The Workforce Development department at DC Central Kitchen includes The Culinary Job Training program (CJT), which is a 14-week culinary arts program with an integrated curriculum that covers all facets of work in a professional kitchen. The program includes “hands-on” training taught by Culinary Arts Instructors. Our Mission is to offer training as a constructive solution to the problems of unemployment in our community. We use food as a tool to build community partnerships that support people who are making the transition to self-sufficiency. As healthy, affordable, and sustainable food is central to our mission, we expose our students to healthy cooking techniques and provide nutritional education, through the program.

  POSITION DESCRIPTION:

  The Workforce Development Coordinator works closely with the team to support efforts to provide job readiness training and career advising to CJT candidates, students, and alumni in accordance with established policies and procedures. Under the guidance and supervision of the Director, this role is also responsible for general program and administrative support, which may include data entry and collating reporting requirements and documents for various grants and in support of the Culinary Job Training program and other programmatic activities for the Workforce Development department. The coordinator will consistently maintain accurate records and generate reports as needed. The ideal candidate will have sound organizational skills, time-management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines successfully.

  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  Student and Alumni Engagement Support:

  • Advise students individually and in groups about their employment and postsecondary education and training options by providing information on processes, links to enrollment assistance, assistance with forms, and referrals to social services, employment, and educational resources as needed.
  • Assist with job readiness training on workplace topics such as resume writing, job searches, and interviewing skills, following established curricula and guidelines.
  • Adhering to approved templates and guidelines, create individualized learning plans for students and alumni.
  • Assist with digital literacy trainings including online courseware, keyboarding, and word processing.
  • Provide educational and career information, preparation, exploration, and assessment opportunities to groups and individuals.
  • In close collaboration with the Workforce Development Specialist (Alumni Support), assess students’ goals and potential for additional certification or postsecondary educational training, tutorial needs and career-related needs.
  • Assist with alumni follow up to assess needs for additional assistance and to provide information, referrals, and support as needed.
  • Assist Workforce Development Specialist (Alumni Support) with making alumni check-in calls and driving other alumni engagement and job retention efforts.
  • Conduct ongoing follow-up and evaluation activities for graduates to maintain accurate records regarding employment status, housing, contact information, and assistance needs.

  Partnerships & Collaborations Support:

  • Under the guidance of the Director, maintain open communication channels, and positive partnerships and working relationships with colleagues across departments to facilitate scheduling and coordination of the Substitute Instructor and Guest Instructor programs as well as other cross-departmental activities.
  • Collaborate with Workforce Development Specialist (Alumni Support) to create and schedule job readiness events, such as panel presentations, guest lecturers, field trips and mock interviews with business and community partners.
  • Collaborate with Workforce Development Specialist (Alumni Support) to develop internships and other work and learn experiences for students.

  Program Reporting & Administrative Support:

  • Work closely with the Director to prepare monthly invoicing, quarterly reports, and other required documentation for performance-based grants.
  • Maintain graduate files for monthly review by monitors as well as for auditing purposes.
  • Work closely with Workforce Development Specialists to capture student success stories.
  • Attend monthly meetings and program review sessions.
  • Enter program data into performance management systems for Workforce Development, ensuring accuracy and timely submissions.
  • Assist with troubleshooting database management issues.
  • Provide support for other departments as it relates to data collection efforts.
  • Assist CJT team with the coordination and facilitation of CJT Advisory Council meetings and events.
  • Maintain records on numbers of workshops and appointments, participation rates, and evaluations.
  • Maintain logs of issues encountered, resolutions and referrals.
  • Perform other duties and tasks as required to maintain quality relationships with all our partners and customers and / or duties and tasks needed to drive the vision, mission, and values of DC Central Kitchen.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelors’ degree and 1 – 2 years of related experience OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Experience engaging, supporting, and enhancing the lives of returning citizens, individuals in recovery that have been impacted by homelessness, persons who are or have been unemployed or underemployed is required.
  • Demonstrated skill in effectively communicating both orally and in writing, on an individual basis and in a group setting
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data management software systems, and social media communication techniques for the purpose of documenting and reporting services delivered to CJT candidates, students, and alumni
  • Proven ability to relay information in a manner that provides a positive learning experience and instills a passion for the profession
  • Solid interpersonal skills, relationship-building, and relationship management skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage concurrent responsibilities, and prioritize according to shifting, and sometimes, accelerated
  • Pre-employment background check, COVID-19 vaccine, drug test, and TB test are required.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be capable of independent local travel.
  • Ability to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common.

  • May occasionally move kitchen or classroom equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 25 pounds for various teaching and culinary needs. Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity and occasional strenuous outdoor activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing a variety of equipment and so on.

  • Perform general physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Able to bend, lean, reach, and stoop without hindrance. Possess fine motor skills, and able to stand and/or walk for long periods (most of the workday).
  • This job description is subject to change at any time.

  BENEFITS:

  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance (DCCK pays 100% of employee premiums for individual coverage)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and personal leave)
  • 11 Company Paid Holidays
  • Bonding Leave for new parents
  • Commuter Benefits plan
  • Matching 401(k) program
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Wellness Reimbursement program

  ONLY applicants who include a resume AND cover letter will be considered for this role. Please upload your resume and cover letter through the link provided.

  NOTE:

  This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

  DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.

• About the company

  Founded in 1989 in protest of traditional charity models, the organization uses career training, job creation, and sustainable business practices to strengthen local food systems and reduce disparities in health and economic opportunity. The Kitche...

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