Job Coach & Culinary Operations Specialist

Job Coach & Culinary Operations Specialist Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) - 2.7 Clearwater, FL Job Details Full-time $49,000 - $54,000 a year 9 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Coaching High school diploma or GED Driver's License Community relationship building Full Job Description Job Coach & Culinary Operations Specialist Position Overview LiFT University, a transition program serving neurodiverse adults, is seeking a dedicated and energetic Job Coach & Culinary Operations Specialist to support students in developing vocational, employment, and independent living skills through hands-on work experiences. This position combines job coaching, culinary instruction, and microbusiness operations within our student-run catering program. The ideal candidate will have experience in the catering, food service, or hospitality industry and a passion for helping neurodiverse adults achieve meaningful employment outcomes. This role includes supervising students in catering production, providing on-site job coaching, supporting community-based vocational experiences, and reinforcing workplace readiness skills that promote independence and long-term success. Key Responsibilities Job Coaching & Vocational Training Provide individualized and small-group job coaching to students participating in internships, vocational training, and community-based employment experiences. Coach across the various industries of focus at LiFT; Retail, Hospitality, Advanced Manufacturing, Custodial, IT, and Health Services. Teach and reinforce workplace skills including communication, teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, time management, and task completion. Support students county wide in developing independence while gradually fading supports as appropriate. Monitor student performance and provide feedback, documentation, and progress updates. Assist students in navigating workplace expectations, social interactions, and employer feedback. Catering & Culinary Operations Support day-to-day operations of the school's catering microbusiness. Supervise students during food preparation, packaging, event setup, deliveries, customer service, and cleanup activities. Model industry-standard food service practices and workplace expectations. Assist with menu preparation, inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining organized workspaces. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and sanitation procedures. Help create authentic work-based learning experiences that mirror competitive employment environments. Community-Based Instruction & Employment Support Accompany students to internship sites, volunteer placements, community outings, and employment training opportunities. Provide transportation support and community navigation instruction as needed. Collaborate with employers and community partners to ensure positive student experiences. Support students in developing skills related to transportation, workplace communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. Assist with community-based instruction activities that reinforce classroom learning. Program Collaboration & Student Support Collaborate with teachers, therapists, job developers, and support staff to ensure student success. Maintain accurate records of student participation, progress, and skill development. Participate in team meetings, professional development activities, and program events. Support special events, catering functions, vocational showcases, and community outreach initiatives.

Required:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum of two years of experience in catering, food service, hospitality, restaurant operations, or a related field. Experience working with individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse adults, or individuals requiring support is preferred. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Ability to maintain professionalism while providing supportive coaching and guidance.

Preferred:

Experience as a supervisor, trainer, shift leader, or manager in the food service industry. Experience with supported employment, job coaching, workforce development, or vocational rehabilitation. ServSafe Certification or willingness to obtain certification. Experience teaching workplace skills or training employees. Knowledge of food production, catering logistics, and customer service standards. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Valid Florida Driver's License required, clean and free of violations. Successful completion of a State and Federal FDLE Level 2 Background Screening. Must attain CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment. Ability to transport students using school vehicles if approved by LiFT. Working Conditions Classroom, commercial kitchen, community, and employment settings. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transporting supplies. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for catering events or community activities. Work may occur in indoor and outdoor environments and at various community partner locations. Salary & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. Benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities. Terms of Employment Employment with LiFT is At Will.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Days and hours may vary. Regular attendance; 100% onsite; firm adherence to work schedule. Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with LiFT's approved compensation plan. Performance evaluations conducted a minimum of two times per school year. Travel Frequent local travel is required between campus, internship sites, community partners, and catering locations.

Note:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. LiFT may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k)

Dental Insurance Health Insurance Vision Insurance Paid Time Off Schedule:

Monday to Friday Occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Experience:

Catering/Food Service/Hospitality:

2 years (Required)

Supervisory or Training Experience:

1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

ServSafe Certification (Preferred) Florida Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In Person, Clearwater, FL