First Course Kitchen Case Manager

 

ABOUT HOT BREAD KITCHEN

Since 2008, Hot Bread Kitchen has empowered New Yorkers who face barriers to economic opportunities through transformative careers in New York City’s food industry. We offer small business development programs, culinary skills training, and job placement, bolstered by individualized wraparound supportive services. Our small business program, HBK Incubates, supports entrepreneurs as they transform their food businesses into sustainable income sources. Culinary Fundamentals, our award-winning culinary training program provides access to high-quality jobs for those starting their careers in the food industry. Our upskilling programs enable incumbent workers to gain further skills leading to higher wages and career advancement. We work diligently alongside our network of over 200 food employer partners and more than 250 nonprofit and government partners to ensure our graduates are set up for success both at home and in their careers.

 

ABOUT FIRST COURSE NYC

First Course is for low-income New Yorkers who are passionate about starting their career in a restaurant kitchen and are willing and able to commit to full-time training and employment. Eight weeks of intensive fundamentals training by Hot Bread Kitchen prepares members to be hired as paid, full-time employees in restaurant kitchens where the restaurant partner continues the training. Successful members will advance to become permanent employees in entry-level cook positions best suited to their skill levels. 

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Hot Bread Kitchen is seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Kitchen Case Manager who will provide direct support services to First Course participants. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of social work based practices and passion for client facing work. This position will serve as a critical member of the kitchen-based team, assess member needs, and connect them to the resources and tools in order to meaningfully participate in the First Course Program. The Kitchen Case Manager will work collaboratively and creatively with the First Course culinary training team and reports directly to the Manager of Member Engagement. 

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The First Course Kitchen Case Manager’s responsibilities will include:

  • Kitchen-Based Support

    • Partner closely with the chef instructors during the First Course 8-week kitchen training to:

      • Provide real time and direct support to members in the kitchen as they navigate teamwork and interpersonal relations. 

      • Participate in members’ weekly evaluation based on teamwork and interpersonal skills in the kitchen.

      • Support mitigating interpersonal conflicts in the kitchen in partnership with culinary instruction staff.

      • Participate in weekly case conferencing with the Chef Instructors and fellow case manager. 

  • One-on-One Case Management During Kitchen Training

    • Serve as one point of contact for member communications about issues including attendance and activities.

    • Participate in regular and ongoing participant case conferences with Program Manager and Instruction staff.

    • Ensure timely follow up and excellent case management  to participants, including appropriate referrals to other critical services, like childcare, housing, and mental health services.

    • Assist with professional readiness lessons.

  • One-on-One Case Management During On the Job Training (“OJT”)

    • Conduct weekly check-ins with each member during OJT.

    • Conduct retention follow up (3-months, 6-months, and 9-month retention check-ins).

    • Provide members with employment assistance if they are not permanently hired after OJT.

  • Administrative and Other Responsibilities

    • Maintain accurate and up to date member records in Salesforce and Smartsheet updating progress notes consistently and in real time. 

    • Assist with culinary interviews to assess program eligibility; assist with the employer matching process.

    • Conduct Pre-Enrollment intakes during the interview process for each upcoming cohort.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong passion for Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission and the mission and goals of the First Course Program.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or human services preferred.

  • Direct service experience or 1-3 years experience in case management.

  • Familiarity with navigating  NYC’s  support systems (affordable housing, childcare, mental health, public benefits, etc.).

  • Familiarity with trauma-informed and motivational interviewing techniques.

  • Experience in working with and supporting diverse populations.

  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with the ability to quickly build rapport with all types of personalities and leadership levels.

  • Ability to work independently and diligently with efficient organization skills and attention to detail.

  • Some facilitation experience, preferably for teaching soft skills or professional readiness.

  • Computer proficiency in Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace Suite, and Smartsheet.

  • Ability to think and problem solve creatively, collaborate with others often, and sense of humor!

 

COMPETENCIES

  • Adaptable - Flexible and has the ability to change when an original strategy is not working, applies knowledge to new circumstances. Demonstrates eagerness to learn new knowledge and skills. Exhibits the willingness to think differently to initiate ideas towards improving processes, procedures, quality and productivity.

  • Detail oriented - Verifies important details, ensures there are no surprises or gaps in needed information, has the ability to think a few steps ahead to answer potential questions about the data or project. Aims to leave things better than you found them. Checks work with others, plans time to review for errors and probes one’s own thinking. Addresses errors quickly and learns from them. Looks for ways to prevent similar errors.

  • Multitasking - Has the ability to successfully juggle multiple projects and priorities while maintaining the ability to deliver on time, or develop and communicate new timelines.

  • Problem solving - Exhibits resourcefulness and asks for support from peers or their supervisor. Anticipates problems, develops solutions, and course-corrects when needed. Takes advantage of unexpected opportunities and addresses obstacles. Looks for the root of both simple and complex problems, in order to seek solutions. Approaches work with a spirit of “yes” and adapts as things change.

 

OUR VALUES

We are driven by a feeling of commitment to support our members, teammates, and partners as best as we can. Our culture of equity comes from the many cooks in our kitchen and the diversity of perspectives we each bring. We believe that respect goes a long way in making people feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated. We seek out opportunities for connection and become a stronger team by being in community and prioritizing candor over consensus. The pace of our work and velocity of change can be quick; our entrepreneurialism helps us take optimistic risks and pursue inventive solutions.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time position and salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $60,000 to $61,800 and is commensurate with experience. Hot Bread Kitchen's comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance (eligible from day one), 401K contributions, paid office closure days  (including holidays, and staff appreciation days, and a one week holiday break at the end of the year), flexible and generous vacation and sick time, paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program (after 5 years of service). Our organizational culture is inclusive, entrepreneurial, flexible, and civically-minded (learn more about our culture on hotbreadkitchen.org/careers). 

 

This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. Work hours are tracked and approved overtime hours are paid accordingly.

 

LOCATION

This position requires working in-person 5 days a week at our facility in Chelsea Market. During each 8-week training period, work hours will be from 1:00pm-9:00pm. There is flexibility to work a hybrid schedule when events and programming are not active.

 

To Apply

  • Please include a cover letter and experience-aligned resume including your pronouns. 

  • Apply here at Hot Bread Kitchen’s Applicant Tracking System

Due to the volume of applications, only complete applications sent via email will be considered. Applications sent via LinkedIn or other third-party sites will not be reviewed.

 

Hot Bread Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact hr@hotbreadkitchen.org to request such an accommodation.