The Culinary Arts Paraprofessional plays a versatile role in supporting culinary arts operations and logistics in meeting both student and customer needs. This position works alongside the culinary arts instructor to support culinary arts students by providing hands-on learning assistance in teaching skills and overseeing day-to-day front-of-house operations of our student-run restaurant called the Millstream Cafe. The ideal candidate fosters an inclusive, safe, and professional environment across classroom, laboratory, and dining settings.
Culinary Instructional Support & Kitchen Safety
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Assist culinary instructor with classroom and teaching kitchen instruction.
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Demonstrate, reinforce, and monitor proper food preparation, cooking, sanitation, and food safety procedures.
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Help students develop professional skills, safety standards, and effective work habits.
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Prepare ingredients, equipment, workstations, and instructional materials as needed.
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Assist with maintaining an organized, clean, and safe learning environment, including inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization.
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Restaurant Operations
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Assist with coordinating daily student-run restaurant operations and front-of-house (FOH) activities.
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Supervise and train students working in front-of-house roles, including customer service, dining room etiquette, hosting, serving, and cashiering procedures.
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Coordinate table assignments, reservations, seating, and customer flow.
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Ensure the dining area is clean, organized, properly set, and service-ready.
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Monitor service quality, assist students in resolving customer concerns professionally, and maintain appropriate service standards.
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Coordinate communication between kitchen and front-of-house staff, including opening and closing procedures.
Student Supervision & Guidance
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Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment in classrooms, assessment labs, and dining areas.
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Monitor and supervise students during assessment activities, kitchen tasks, testing blocks, and building events to ensure safety and well-being.
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Implement intervention strategies in collaboration with the instructor to address individual student needs.
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Reinforce workplace etiquette, professionalism, punctuality, communication, and teamwork.
Communication & Program Support
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Maintain open, effective, and professional communication with teachers, administration, staff, and guests.
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Assist instructor in holding meetings with parents/guardians to discuss student progress and career pathways.
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Support student recruitment efforts, building events, and family resource connections.
Any other duties as assigned by the director.
Qualifications
Required:
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Valid Ohio Educational Aide Permit (or willingness to obtain).
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
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Strong organizational, data management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
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Proficiency with technology, including Google Workspace and/or student information systems.
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High level of integrity regarding testing security, food safety, and student confidentiality.
Preferred:
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Previous experience in culinary arts, food service, hospitality, or restaurant operations.
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Experience in secondary education, special education, or Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.
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Experience working with CTE reporting systems and data analysis tools.
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Background working with diverse student populations.
Physical Demands:
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Light work—exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Requires prolonged walking, standing, sitting, frequent bending, reaching, hearing, and fine motor tasks. Ability to lift and carry supplies/equipment as required for kitchen and testing operations. Ability to respond quickly to student situations or operational needs.
Working Conditions:
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Combination of school environments, commercial-style teaching kitchens, and student-operated restaurant settings. Moderate risk setting requiring standard safety precautions regarding student needs, food handling, and equipment operation.
Schedule:
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Primarily follows the school calendar with occasional requirements for evening or extended hours to facilitate school based events.
EEO Disclaimer
Findlay City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes"). The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.
