Are you passionate about cooking and nutrition? Do you enjoy working with children and families? Do you speak English and Spanish fluently?

We are seeking a dynamic teacher-who-can-cook or cook-who-can-teach to work as a part-time/per diem Chef Instructor in El Paso, TX and El Paso County (bilingual - English/Spanish). A Common Threads Chef Instructor is the face of the organization, teaching hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to PreK-8th grade students, parents, and teachers in schools and community spaces, building relationships with partner sites, students, families, and volunteers. Chef Instructors will teach in both virtual and in-person settings.

All of our programming consists of basic nutrition lessons, each with a recipe demo and tasting emphasizing fresh, healthy ingredients and adopting healthy cooking and eating habits.

This is a part-time variable hour position that will generally work 5-10 hours a week when classes are in session. Some evenings and/or weekends may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Complete training on our curriculum, policies and procedures, and administrative responsibilities
• Teach children and adults cooking skills and nutrition basics, virtually and/or in person
• Communicate with Common Threads partner organization staff as well as with Common Threads staff
• Follow the approved course curriculum, complete all grocery shopping and recipe demonstrations, and submit required documentation as needed
• Administer pre- and post-surveys to program participants and manage paperwork
• Collect and document program participant attendance roster throughout duration of programming

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of nutrition required
• Must hold current food service sanitation certification or obtain within first 90 days of employment
• Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
• Must be conversationally fluent in English and Spanish
• Instructors may be asked to teach virtual classes and must possess adequate technology such as reliable internet service, a laptop/computer/digital tablet, video camera, headphones/mic, etc.
• Culinary school and/or food industry experience preferred
• Experience teaching or working with children preferred
• Experience working with culturally diverse audiences
• Reliable and dependable -- able to commit to programs, arrive on time, and proactively communicate any needs or issues
• Ability to be flexible with scheduling and possess a go-with-the-flow attitude
• A commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads

Compensation & Benefits:

This position is grant-funded.

Compensation rates

For teaching classes range from $75 to $150 per lesson

For administrative duties (i.e., training, attending meetings, documentation) is $20/hour

Chef Instructors are employees of Common Threads who are eligible for paid sick time, professional development opportunities, and access to resources within our Employee Assistance Program.

Additional information:

• Common Threads job applicants are subject to a background check prior to employment
• This is a part-time position with varied daily/weekly hours as needed. Some nights and/or weekends may be required.
• Candidate should reside in the El Paso or El Paso County area
• Position reports to the El Paso Senior Program Manager

About Common Threads:

Common Threads is a nonprofit that teaches children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage health and wellness. We are national in scope, with strong roots in each of our 11 major program locations, reaching 30,000 children, parents and teachers in 2020-2021. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition, so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes. We believe that adequate and healthy food contributes to wellbeing. For more information, visit our website or Common Threads’ social media accounts (@CommonThreadsOrg on Instagram and @CommonThreadsUS on Twitter).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Common Threads’ EEO Statement:

Common Threads provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Common Threads complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Common Threads expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Common Threads’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

How to apply:

If you think you meet most of these qualifications, we’d like to meet you! Submit your application here or at Common Threads' career site. No phone calls, please. No third-party firms.