Recreation Specialist - Culinary Skills (61932)

About the role

The Recreation Specialist (Culinary Skills) on the Community Connections team at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR) will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and support clients in their leisure and recreation skills while encouraging clients to try new experiences and develop a perception of accomplishment.

Responsibilities

• Teach clients life skills to improve their mental and physical health.
• Support mindfulness practices through skill development with food preparation and eating.
• Help clients develop appropriate social skills.
• Manage schedule of cooking classes for clients.
• Teach proper cooking techniques, kitchen equipment safety procedures, and kitchen etiquette as vocational skills.
• Facilitate the preparation and cooking of light Café meals by following recipes and adhering to special dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen (including washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out the trash).
• Absorb and order supplies and ingredients while also keeping track of inventory needs.
• Plan and implement kitchen associated activities.
• Provide individualized coaching of skills in small and medium sized groups.
• Be a resource guide for clients to access.
• Encourage clients to try new experiences.
• Encourage clients to become involved in the community by learning valuable and marketable skills.
• Promote a positive environment to help clients feel safe to experience new situations.
• Provide specialized knowledge of education and support services for assisting clients to engage in recreation activities.
• Interact with other agencies to create a pathway for client access to community and cultural events.
• Staff member will complete needed care coordination tasks for their assigned role.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Science is required.
• Previous experience as a cook or chef is required.
• Previous experience working in a mental health setting is required.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets organization's requirements.
• Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
• Familiarity with sanitation regulations.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
• Passionate about working with the population diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Passionate about promoting mental health and wellbeing through healthy mindfulness approach to food.
• Ability to work with community partners and navigate relationships.

Qualifications

• Required Vaccination And TB Test.

Benefits

• Health insurance: Kaiser, Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (dependent care & health care)
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan which provides 100% vesting immediately, and matching contributions up to 4% after one year of employment
• Accrued Vacation pay up to 12 days and accrued Sick Pay up to 12 days per year, plus 10 Paid Company Holidays, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro-rata basis based on full-time equivalency)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability

Schedule

This position is fully Onsite/In-person. The schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Pay

Starting wage is based on experience and company equity. Paid bi-weekly. $20.04 - $30.05 hourly