Employment Services DSP - Culinary

Position Summary The Employment Services DSP - Culinary & Vocational Training provides direct support, vocational instruction, and employment coaching to individuals with developmental disabilities participating in both community-based employment training and an in-house catering operation. This position combines the responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional, Job Coach, Vocational Trainer, and Food Service Team Member. The Employment Services DSP works alongside participants to develop transferable job skills, workplace readiness, independence, and confidence through hands-on training in food service, catering, facility operations, volunteer opportunities, and other vocational activities. The position emphasizes skill-building rather than task completion alone, helping individuals prepare for future employment opportunities while actively contributing to daily business operations. Essential FunctionsVocational Training & Employment Development Provide hands-on vocational training in a variety of work settings and job tasks. Teach workplace expectations, including attendance, punctuality, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem-solving. Assist participants in identifying strengths, interests, and employment goals. Develop and reinforce transferable job skills applicable across multiple employment settings. Coach participants through new tasks using modeling, prompting, visual supports, and positive reinforcement. Promote independence by gradually reducing support when appropriate. Support participants in learning how to accept feedback, follow directions, and complete assigned responsibilities. Assist with volunteer opportunities, community work experiences, and employment exploration activities. Culinary & Catering Operations Work alongside participants in food preparation, meal assembly, packaging, catering production, and kitchen operations. Teach proper food handling, sanitation, and workplace safety practices. Assist participants in learning recipes, kitchen procedures, inventory management, and production schedules. Support catering setup, customer service, event preparation, and delivery activities. Maintain food quality and ensure compliance with food safety standards. Participant Support Provide direct supervision and support in accordance with individual service plans. Assist participants in building social skills, self-advocacy skills, and workplace relationships. Encourage active participation and engagement in vocational activities. Support individuals in adapting to workplace changes and solving problems independently whenever possible. Assist with personal care needs as outlined in individual plans when necessary. Maintain participant safety and well-being throughout all activities. Documentation & Program Responsibilities Complete daily documentation, progress notes, data collection, and employment-related records. Track participant skill development and progress toward vocational goals. Communicate participant successes, challenges, and support needs with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program planning activities. Assist in maintaining vocational training materials, workspaces, and equipment. QualificationsRequired High school diploma or GED. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Ability to pass all required background checks. Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and required certifications. Ability to transport participants and operate agency vehicles when assigned. Understanding of computers, computer software and social media Preferred Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Experience in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, job coaching, workforce development, or employment services. Experience in food service, catering, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, janitorial, or similar employment settings. Food Safety Certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to teach and coach individuals with varying learning styles and support needs. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to balance productivity expectations with participant learning opportunities. Understanding of person-centered supports and community integration principles. Ability to adapt tasks and training methods to individual abilities. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Physical Requirements Stand and walk for extended periods. Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. Bend, kneel, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive movements. Work in kitchens, community settings, and various vocational environments. Understand food service and preparation Understand basic cooking skills and be able to transfer that knowledge to participants Manage food orders, tracking, and delivery Assist participants with physical tasks and mobility needs as required. Position Philosophy This position focuses on teaching work, not simply doing work. The Employment Services DSP serves as a coach, mentor, trainer, and teammate, helping individuals gain the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in meaningful employment and community participation. Schedule The typical work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Because this role supports catering operations and customer orders, employees may occasionally be required to work outside of their regularly scheduled hours. Schedule adjustments may include earlier start times, later end times, special events, catering deliveries, food preparation, or other business-related needs necessary to fulfill customer orders and operational demands. Advance notice will be provided whenever possible; however, flexibility is essential to this position. Employment Training Academy Support Responsibilities The primary responsibility of this position is to support the operations of CCNEO's catering and food service program and to provide vocational training to participating individuals. However, catering and food service demands may fluctuate based on customer orders, event schedules, and business needs. During periods when catering, food preparation, food service, or related vocational activities are unavailable, the Employment Services DSP will be assigned to support participants in CCNEO's Employment Training Academy (ETA). In this capacity, the employee will perform the duties of a traditional Direct Support Professional, including but not limited to: Providing direct supervision and support to participants. Facilitating vocational training activities and work readiness instruction. Supporting community integration outings and volunteer opportunities. Assisting participants with socialization, communication, and interpersonal skill development. Teaching independent living, workplace, and community participation skills. Supporting participant engagement in program activities and goal-related outcomes. Providing transportation and community-based supports as assigned. Completing required documentation and participant records. Employees must be willing and able to transition between catering operations, vocational training activities, and traditional DSP responsibilities based on participant needs, staffing requirements, business demands, and program schedules.

Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person