YMCA of Austin

The North Austin YMCA Community Center is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Youth Cooking Instructor to lead engaging, hands-on culinary classes for youth (and their families) as part of our enriching Youth & Family Programs. This role is perfect for someone who loves food, community, and mentorship! As a key part of our team, you will guide participants through fun and educational cooking activities that teach practical skills, promote healthy eating, and celebrate cultural diversity. Classes will be held in our Community Room and serve up to 10 participants ranging from ages 5-16 (and may include their parents).

How You Will Make an Impact

• Plan and conduct cooking classes for children ages 5-12, teaching fundamental cooking techniques, food safety, and healthy eating habits to equip children with essential life skills. Customize lessons to maximize engagement and learning for each age group and skill level.
• Develop and prepare age-appropriate lesson plans and recipes that are both fun and educational, ensuring all activities captivate children’s interest and promote their culinary skills and knowledge.
• Ensure a safe and hygienic cooking environment by implementing rigorous food safety protocols and educating children on kitchen safety, proper handwashing, and cleanliness to foster lifelong healthy habits.
• Create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels encouraged and supported. Effectively manage classroom behavior to maintain a conducive learning space.
• Oversee the use of kitchen equipment and supplies, ensuring all tools are in excellent working condition and maintaining cleanliness and organization for a seamless and safe cooking experience.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and guardians, keeping families informed about class schedules, student progress, and any updates to foster trust and engagement in the children’s culinary journey.
• Stay updated on current food trends, nutrition, and child development to continuously enhance class content and teaching methods, providing the most relevant and impactful culinary education.
• Lead by example in promoting the YMCA's mission, vision, and values, embodying and advocating for the YMCA's core principles to inspire others through your commitment and actions.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, representing the YMCA positively to internal and external stakeholders, strengthening relationships and promoting the organization’s impact.
• Be the ultimate storyteller of the YMCA's work and culture, sharing compelling stories that highlight the YMCA's contributions and values to engage and inspire the community.
• Complete other duties as assigned, adapting to additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and organization’s goals, demonstrating flexibility and dedication.

What You Bring to the Y

• A minimum of 18 years old.
• At least one year of prior experience working with or teaching children in a recreational or educational setting.
• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and food safety practice. ServSafe Certification is a plus.
• Creativity, patience, and a genuine enthusiasm for cooking and working with children.
• Experience in a cooking or culinary environment is preferred.
• Ability to create a fun, interactive, and educational cooking experience.
• You have a growth mindset - You quickly learn from failure and value feedback in the effort to continuously improve.
• You are a team player - You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and you can work well with others.
• You communicate effectively - You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively.
• You are customer-focused – You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging - You leverage people’s differences as strengths.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel cooking equipment and ingredients. They must be able to lift and/or move items such as pots, pans, and boxes of ingredients weighing up to 25 pounds. The role also requires the ability to taste and smell to ensure food quality and safety. Effective verbal communication is necessary for instructing and engaging with children and their parents in both normal and occasionally noisy conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.