Temporary Mental Health Generalist - Culinary

General Purpose

The Temporary Mental Health Generalist (Culinary Wellness Unit Coverage) supports clubhouse members through culinary and unit-based activities during a defined coverage period. Working alongside members, this role ensures continuity of kitchen operations, meal preparation, and member engagement while promoting skill development, wellness, and community participation within a Clubhouse International–accredited setting.

Essential Functions

• Member Engagement
• Work directly with clubhouse members to promote inclusion, participation, and shared responsibility within culinary activities.
• Encourage member involvement by emphasizing strengths, contributions, and collaboration while respecting individual limitations.
• Culinary & Unit Operations
• Cook and prepare meals according to established menus.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming kitchen environment in compliance with health and safety standards.
• Support continuity of Culinary Unit routines and daily workflow during the temporary coverage period.
• Skill-Building & Support
• Facilitate hands-on culinary activities and informal skills-building opportunities focused on cooking, nutrition, and food safety.
• Support members in developing confidence, independence, and transferable skills through work-ordered day activities.
• Participate in required culinary-specific and other key program staff training for knowledge-building.
• Menu & Meal Support
• Work with members to follow established menus and support nutritious meal planning.
• Affordability and adaptability in meal planning to meet program needs and member preferences.
• Events & Activities
• Assist with planning and supporting clubhouse meals, holiday events, and culinary-focused activities.
• Support promotion of activities using Canva, Microsoft Office, or other approved tools as needed.
• Other Regular Responsibilities
• May include but not limited to work side-by-side with members in carrying out unit responsibilities.
• Foster relationships that reinforce members’ roles as valued contributors to the clubhouse community.
• Support member aspirations related to employment, education, housing, and social involvement.
• Provide practical guidance and support to members to encourage engagement and community integration.
• Collaborate with clubhouse staff to ensure smooth unit operations and cross-coverage when needed.
• Assume responsibility for Culinary Unit operations during assigned shifts.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Education: Associates Degree or High school Diploma with 2 years' experience in mental health field; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Experience: Non-clinical community approach; Prior non-clinical experience working with persons with mental illness is preferred but not required
• Skills: Highly developed communication and organizational skills. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Sheets, Google Docs. Must be able to manage multiple tasks within a fast-paced environment, with strong follow-through. Be flexible in order to complete the necessary work of the Clubhouse, including coverage of holidays, weekends, social activities and other special events. Must provide absence coverage for designated unit(s) – when needed and at the discretion of the Program Director.

Scope Of Responsibility & Positions

• Supervised: Responsible for the financial operations of the assigned unit under the direction of the Program Director
• Special Working Conditions: Some Saturdays work required

Program Information

• We Believe In:
• Creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact.
• Challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good.
• Being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive.
• Equal Opportunity: We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org.