People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Culinary Assistant Program Coordinator

  • Title: Culinary Assistant Program Coordinator
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Grade: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

The Coordinator of the Culinary Assistant program is responsible for developing and implementing training programs in food service and other occupations in the service industry as well as clerical occupations for cognitively challenged adults. This position coordinates the day-to-day operation of the Culinary Assistant Program. Incumbents act as a liaison between local schools and businesses and the program. Coordination is required with PCC cafeteria services and other PCC departments who train students. Incumbents develop and offer customized training materials and classes and provide job development assistance to program graduates. Incumbent has independent decision making authority and works with little or no supervision.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Trains students/trainees to prepare them for food service occupations including cashiering, ordering, bookkeeping, stocking, food production, cooking, customer service, and other related items.
  2. Develops and modifies curriculum as needed to individualize training and improve student retention. Develops textbooks and instructional materials for the class.
  3. Identifies skill requirements, assesses student skills, and places students in appropriate training locations. Evaluates student progress.
  4. Recruits students for program. Conducts tours and interviews. Mees with and counsels parents, school personnel, and public agencies regarding program.
  5. Develops behavioral programs and works with students to assist them in achieving self-behavior management and acquiring appropriate work habits as well as positive attitude.
  6. Develops a cooperative operation network with schools and businesses to create job opportunity for graduated students. Assists student in transitioning to new job or work-site. Conducts employment follow-ups.
  7. Coordinates internships and other job development activities for students.
  8. Provides support and meets with PCC staff/faculty to provide disability awareness training and develops plans for student participation and expectations.
  9. Modifies work-site requirements to meet student’s abilities.
  10. Trains students in other vocational areas including janitor, office clerk, and child care aide.
  11. Develops and teaches modified clerical curriculum including computer application, data entry, filing, photocopying and other business machine skills.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a commercial food service operation environment. Work environment includes exposure to noise extremes in temperature and occasional related hazards. This position requires flexible work hours including evenings and weekends. Frequent travel between campuses and business workplace is required.

Physical Requirements

Extended standing, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and operation of specialized equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Culinary Art or related area. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years recent, full-time working experience in education, management, food services or related field including three years of experience training individuals with special needs. Oregon Food Handlers Card is required within one month of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Extensive knowledge in food operation (includes profit/loss, budget preparation, revenue data monitoring, vendor contract and food preparation)
  • Knowledge of County/State/Federal health and safety codes and regulations pertaining to commercial food service operations.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations impacting assigned program.
  • Knowledge of basic counseling and behavior management techniques.
  • Knowledge of community resources for appropriate referrals.
Skills in:
  • Skill in teaching techniques for different learning modes.
  • Skill in customer service.
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
Ability to:
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population.
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Reviewed: 12/2018

  • Revised: 05/2013
  • Replaces: 08/07/2002