CHEF TRAINER
Who We Are
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary, Old Skool Cafe (OSC) provides life-changing support and opportunities for San Francisco’s most vulnerable youth. We train and employ at-risk youth, ages 16-22, to run all aspects of our supper club. Learning to be hosts, servers, cooks, and entertainers, we offer youth a solution for addressing their basic needs and break the cycle of poverty and incarceration. Our faith-based model provides a supportive environment to help youth maintain employment and be successful in all aspects of their lives. More than just a place for a fresh start, OSC is an anchor upon which their futures can thrive.
Our Culture and Values
Transformation is not a straight line. We know that change doesn’t happen overnight. We strive to maintain a culture where mistakes and failures are expected as part of the journey towards growth and transformation. We believe in second chances and learning from our mistakes.
OSC is a youth-run supper club. The youth are empowered to do the work of running the restaurant as adult mentors coach from the side. Adult staff actively seek out ways to empower our youth to push past their comfort zones, helping them grow in confidence and leadership.
We call out the gold in people. We look for the good, assume positive intent, and call out the best in one another.
We make lemonade out of lemons. We look for the good that we can find (or squeeze) out of every challenging situation, with a positive mindset. We look for the opportunity to learn and grow, rather than complain about what’s wrong.
Family starts with “yes” and “we.” There are no silos of work at Old Skool Cafe. “We” pull together as a team to find solutions and support each other to get the job done. We start with a spirit of “yes” to move mission-critical initiatives and projects forward.
We do the right thing. We understand that we are role models for our youth and our words and behavior carry weight that impacts others. Integrity is paramount as we work with excellence and honesty.
Position Overview
The Chef Trainer is core to our back of the house on the job training. As an active member of the kitchen team the Chef Trainer owns daily execution of dinner service and catering under the direction of our Director of Culinary Education. Our youth learn through the work they execute while operating our restaurant and catering business. Dishwashing, prep, working the stations on the line, expo, and recipe development. We integrate our trainees into all aspects of the business and the Chef Trainer models standards of excellence while providing knowledge and skill training through classes and side by side work. This position requires a dedicated individual who is willing and able to provide actionable feedback to trainees. Relentless with standards, they see the gold in all of our youth and provide support and accountability in them meeting and exceeding OSC standards of excellence ensuring that our youth develop the necessary life and employability skills to thrive.
You should apply if:
You are aligned with our core values and commit to living them out in the workplace: You naturally assume positive intent and see the gold in the people around you.
You want to make a tangible difference in the lives of youth: Your efforts will result in real-world impact— through training and employment we support our youth in finding their paths to self-sufficiency and a life filled with love and stability.
You’re energized by our opportunity: You are energized by getting your hands dirty while modeling professionalism and humility. We are a team of “do-ers” who jump in to ensure the success of our business and program. We do not shy away from hard conversations or hard work because we know our youth can meet the highest standards.
You want to be with the best: At OSC, we win together, celebrate together, fail together, learn together, and support each other. You will be surrounded by a high-caliber team of passionate leaders who will encourage you to do your best.
You are a servant leader: You naturally model excellence, professionalism, and acceptance. You don’t just enforce rules/standards, you provide accountability for your team and our youth. You see challenges as opportunities for creative thinking and teamwork, and mistakes as learning opportunities.
In this role, you will:
Kitchen Management (70%):
Food Production:
Lead the youth kitchen staff in daily food preparation and cooking activities for both restaurant and catering service.
Train, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff on culinary skills.
Address any dietary restrictions or special requests from guests with creativity and care
Safety and Sanitation:
Monitor kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and food safety and sanitation standards are strictly followed in adherence to health regulations.
Train, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff on proper equipment operation/maintenance.
Develop and implement sanitation schedules for production areas.
Kitchen Management:
Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation in all dishes served
In partnership with Dir. of Culinary Education; develop and plan menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
Maintain a professional image of the restaurant, including proper uniforms and appearance.
On the Job Training (30%):
On-the-Job Training:
All work at OSC is OJT for our youth. Manage OTJ training for youth staff in restaurant/events service and general hospitality.
Support youth staff in their growth and development, ensuring they practice and hone transferable skills.
Curriculum Execution:
Teach OSC classes on kitchen skills, and provide practical exams to assess level of skill attainment.
When needed, support with lessons in front of the house and life/employability classes as well.
Weekly Feedback:
Offer actionable feedback to youth staff on the progression of food service skills as well as life/employability skills through 1:1 and group meetings.
Monitoring progress against personal and collaboratively set goals.
Collaboration:
Work with Life Coaches and the Program Manager to provide weekly feedback on youth staff’s skill progression.
Work with Executive GM and Dir. of Culinary Education to ensure consistent integration of youth staff in all aspects of restaurant and catering operations.
Work with Training and Wellness Lead to teach all required classes, and ensure curriculum and program content is kept updated with industry standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or culinary degree preferred.
Min four (4) years of progressive food service experience.
Min two (2) years of people/team management.
Successfully maintain an orderly training environment (kitchen) at all times.
The ability to train and mentor youth with no prior work or hospitality experience.
Ability to motivate others to accomplish goals.
Have a sincere, authentic desire to know the youth and be a support to empower them.Food
Handlers Card
Work week is Tuesday-Saturday. Tue 11-7, Wed 11:30-7:30, Thur-Sat 1-9. Catering events may take place on a Sunday or Monday, and/or outside of normal weekly schedule.
Preferred
Teaching experience
Experience working with at-risk youth.
Proficiency in Google Docs and or Excel.
Food Manager's card.
Experience with controlling food and labor cost, demonstration cooking, and menu development.
Old Skool Cafe’s Compensation Policy
Old Skool Cafe’s Compensation Policy: OSC’s compensation program is designed to deliver Total Direct Compensation (based on role, level, and experience) that is aligned with the market. The range of base salary for this position is below. Please note that hourly pay offered may vary depending on factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$35-$40/Hour USD
Benefits
At OSC, you will make a positive and lasting difference in the world! Full-time employees receive a competitive benefits package including:
100% employer paid premium for health, vision, and dental.
Company-funded FSA which reimburses your costs for healthcare related expenses.
Paid time off: 12 days at the end of year 1, with a max of 30 days starting in year 25.
Development opportunities including: Employer paid conference attendance, program related training, and employer sponsored (up to 50%) licensure/certification.
Equity and Inclusion
At OSC, we welcome everyone regardless of their background, race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, etc. We depend on the diverse and unique cultural and life experiences of our team to demonstrate examples of success for our youth. We are committed to increasing diversity across our team and ensuring that OSC is a place where people from all backgrounds can make an impact, and all of our youth have mentors and leaders who represent examples of success that they can see themselves in.
Accommodations
Old Skool Cafe is an inclusive work environment, and we are committed to ensuring equal opportunity in employment for qualified persons with disabilities. Please email accessibleinterviewing@oldskoolcafe.org or click here if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruiting process.
Application Process
Applications, which will be reviewed as received, must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, and your resume in Word or PDF format. Please send to jointheteam@oldskoolcafe.org with “Assistant FOH Manager & Trainer” in the subject line.
Position open until filled. No telephone calls, please.
