Kitchen Programming Consultant

Description

Please submit a resume AND a brief statement of interest (1-2 paragraphs) to be considered for the role.

Join Our Team as a Kitchen Programming Consultant and help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families!

Are you passionate about supporting the healthy development of children, youth, and families for a brighter future?

Look no further! At Northern Children's Services (Northern), every role in the organization contributes to helping us achieve our mission and vision.

We believe that every child and youth has the potential to transform themselves - no matter their background or life situation.

We work to "walk the talk" when it comes to our organizational values: Excellence, Respect, Resilience, Cultural Humility & Justice, Healing, and Wellness.

Why Choose Us? As a Kitchen Programming Consultant, you'll embark on a fulfilling journey.

Leadership Opportunity

Supportive Environment

Empowerment and Progress

Effective Communication

Empowerment Through Planning

Continuous Monitoring and Progress

Documentation Excellence

Networking and Collaboration

KITCHEN PROGRAMMING CONSULTANT (LAUNCH & IMPLEMENTATION)

Organization: Northern Children's Services

Location: On-site, Philadelphia (Hutter Building campus)

Engagement Type: Consultant (with potential transition to full-time)

Estimated Duration: 9-12 months

Estimated Hours: Project-dependent; anticipated average of 15-25 hours per week, with flexibility during key launch periods (Timing, hours, and specific responsibilities may shift slightly based on kitchen readiness, program needs, and consultant availability)

Compensation: Approximately $43-$50/hour, with flexibility based on experience, availability, and agreed-upon scope

ABOUT NORTHERN CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Northern Children's Services supports the healthy development of children while stabilizing their families. Serving more than 1,500 children, youth, and families each year, Northern provides trauma-informed residential, behavioral health, prevention, and wellness programs on its Philadelphia campus and throughout the city.

Northern is completing a major renovation of the historic Hutter Building kitchen, transforming it into a modern, ADA-compliant commercial kitchen and community hub. This space will support fresh meal preparation, nutrition education, life-skills programming, and expansion of Northern's community food pantry.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Northern seeks an experienced Kitchen Programming Consultant to help launch and build this new kitchen program. This is a hands-on, start-up role ideal for someone who enjoys designing systems, cooking, teaching, and building community partnerships.

The consultant will establish kitchen operations, develop menus and programming, support the integration of the food pantry and garden, and help lay the foundation for a future full-time kitchen/program position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Kitchen Launch & Operations

Lead the operational launch of the newly renovated commercial kitchen

Develop standard operating procedures for food safety, sanitation, equipment use, storage, and inventory

Create kitchen schedules aligned with program needs

Support compliance with health and safety regulations

Menu Development & Meal Preparation

Design nutritionally balanced, culturally responsive, cost-conscious menus

Prioritize fresh, whole foods and seasonal ingredients, including produce from Northern's on-campus garden

Prepare meals on-site for residential and program participants

Nutrition Education & Life-Skills Programming

Design and facilitate hands-on workshops for youth and young parents focused on cooking skills, nutrition, meal planning, and food safety

Adapt programming for different age groups using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches

Collaborate with program staff to integrate food and nutrition into existing services

Food Pantry & Food Access

Support the expansion of Northern's community food pantry, including fresh and perishable foods

Align kitchen production with pantry distribution and educational programming

Partnerships & Sourcing

Build relationships with local food vendors, farms, food banks, restaurants, and suppliers

Support discounted purchasing agreements and in-kind donations

Collaborate with development staff to align partnerships with fundraising and stewardship efforts

Garden-to-Kitchen Integration

Help develop a plan to utilize Northern's campus garden

Coordinate with the Director of Recreation and Volunteerism to support volunteer groups

Integrate garden-grown produce into meals, pantry distribution, and educational programming

Training & Sustainability

Train staff, interns, and volunteers on kitchen procedures and programming support

Document systems and processes

Provide recommendations for transitioning to a long-term, full-time role

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Experience working in or managing commercial kitchens

Menu development and food preparation experience

Knowledge of food safety standards; ServSafe Manager Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Experience working with children, youth, or families

Strong teaching, facilitation, and organizational skills

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

Background in culinary arts, nutrition, public health, or food systems

Experience or interest in using food and cooking as tools for education, skill-building, or community engagement

Familiarity with food justice, culturally responsive cooking, and budget-conscious meal planning

Experience integrating garden-grown or local produce

THIS ROLE IS WELL-SUITED FOR

A culinary professional, educator, or food systems practitioner who enjoys building programs during their launch phase, balancing hands-on kitchen work with teaching, systems-building, and collaborative sourcing and relationships.

TRAUMA-INFORMED PRINCIPLES

Northern Children's Services is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment rooted in safety, nonviolence, and resilience. Our policies are guided by trauma-informed principles, ensuring that we create a supportive and healing atmosphere for clients and staff.

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences, including trauma, can significantly impact a person's behavior, emotions, and interactions. Therefore, we strive to:

Use emotional intelligence: Respond with empathy and awareness, even in difficult situations.

Communicate effectively: Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid judgmental language.

Understand trauma's impact: Be aware that clients or colleagues may react based on past experiences, not just the present moment.

Apply person-first, strengths-based language: Focus on people's strengths and abilities rather than defining them by their challenges (e.g., saying "a person experiencing homelessness" instead of "a homeless person").

By adhering to these principles, we ensure that our workplace is not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive for everyone.

Americans with Disabilities: As with all positions at Northern Children's Services, Inc. we recognize the importance of accommodations individuals with disabilities. In that, we are committed to every extent possible accommodating disabled individual. We recognize the American with Disabilities Act of 1991 and understand the need to reasonably accommodate employees. All accommodation will be evaluated on a case- by case basis, evaluating the essential functions of the positions.

DISCRIMINATION IS PROHIBITED IN EMPLOYMENT, PROMOTION, ASSIGNMENT OR DISMISSAL, ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, and HANDICAP, OR RECEIPT OF SERVICES FOR MENTAL DISABILITY.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.