LearningWorks Youth Build - Culinary and Hospitality Trainer

Learning Works is hiring a Culinary and Hospitality trainer for its YouthBuild program.

Location: Portland, Maine

Pay: $25/hour

Schedule: Part-time (20–25 hrs/week), with the potential to evolve to a full-time role

Who are we?

For more than 50 years, LearningWorks has been committed to creating pathways to opportunities for learners in Maine who have faced barriers. Our YouthBuild program serves as a job development and workforce program. Our mission is rooted in helping individuals gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to build meaningful careers and brighter futures.

We connect young people with education, hands-on training, and career development opportunities that empower them to thrive in today's workforce. Together, we foster inclusive environments where talent can grow, communities can strengthen, and lives can be transformed.

Our Mission:

Equipping Maine learners with the confidence and skills to realize their full potential

About the Role:

The Culinary and Hospitality Teacher of LearningWorks YouthBuild (LWYB) is the vocational instructor of a nationally accredited program working with young men and women aged 16-24 who have not had success in traditional school settings. The Culinary and Hospitality Teacher is part of a dynamic team of professionals who, together, manage all components of a comprehensive academic, vocational, and career pathways training program for traditionally underserved young people. This position's primary role is to teach key competencies relevant for a career in the culinary and hospitality industries, and to support students in earning industry-recognized credentials in these fields, including, but not limited to: ProStart, ServSafe, AHLEI Guest Service Gold, and AHLEI START credentials.

What You'll Do:

Instruction: Facilitating a group of no more than eight students in a kitchen setting to learn the skills needed to work in a commercial kitchen. Instructors will also teach in a classroom the curriculum needed to obtain the certificates. Instructors will need to prepare learning menus for the week.

Testing: Oversees the management of all vocational certificates

Classroom Management: Creates a positive and supportive classroom environment while maintaining effective classroom management. Upholds expectations set by all staff prior to member start dates.

Data Management: Ensure that data is up to date weekly and staff are aware of successful changes to reports.

Partnership Development: Builds and maintains strong relationships with external partners to support career exploration opportunities for members. Continuously looking for opportunities to engage the real world in the classroom or vise versa by seeking out community partners

Program Support: Alongside other staff, participate in program-wide activities, such as community service, leadership, Mental Toughness (orientation), recruitment interviewing, and clubs; serves as an advisor

What You Bring:

Minimum qualifications:

Associate's or degree in education, culinary arts, youth development, or related field. A combination of experience and education will be considered for well-qualified candidates

At least one year of experience in education or working in a professional kitchen

Experience working with youth in an educational or workforce setting

Ability to engage youth in a multitude of ways and interests

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and support diverse young people, families, and partners

Positive, growth-oriented mindset and the ability to create safe and affirming environments

Conflict resolution skills

Valid Maine driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to transport students in a company-owned vehicle.

Preferred qualifications

Bachelor's degree

5+ years of experience in culinary instruction, commercial cooking or related fields

Work Environment:

This role requires flexibility and physical stamina in a school-like setting. The employee will be:

Physically active throughout the day, including frequent movement between classrooms, offices, and other areas within the building.

Expected to travel to other locations and transport students in a company vehicle, in compliance with LearningWorks' policies. A valid state-issued driver's license is required.

Expected to communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, staff, and external partners-both in one-on-one and group settings.

Expected to sit or stand for extended periods, particularly while conducting assessments, writing reports, engaging in meetings, or supporting classroom activities. Some standing, bending, lifting, and walking are necessary throughout the day.

Occasionally required to lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds. In some settings, this may include heavier items up to 50 pounds.

Regularly using office tools and equipment, including computers, phones, and other technology requiring fine motor skills and repetitive hand motion.

This is a part-time, in-person role for up to 25 hours a week. Weekly hours may vary depending on program needs. Typical daily working hours are from 8am – 4pm. The work environment for this role consists of 80% direct student interaction (meetings, mentoring, teaching, jobsite supervision, etc...) and 20% administrative work (lesson planning, project planning, data entry, staff meetings, etc. . .).

Make an Impact. Build a Future. Teach the Trades.

If you're ready to lead, mentor, and build, we want to meet you!

Apply today to join the LearningWorks YouthBuild team!