DSP-3 Culinary Arts Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Nourish independence, cultivate skills, and change lives— join TERI’s Center for the Arts as a DSP-3 Culinary Arts Professional!

As a DSP-3 Culinary Arts Professional at TERI’s Center for the Arts, you’ll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities in a creativity-focused environment where food becomes a powerful tool for learning, connection, and self-expression. In this hands-on role, you’ll lead engaging culinary experiences including meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, baking, and cultural food exploration. Your guidance will help individuals build independence, confidence, and meaningful life skills one recipe at a time!

This is an opportunity to combine professional-level culinary expertise with purpose-driven support work. As part of a collaborative team of creative professionals across art, music, theater, and movement, you’ll play a vital role in delivering rich, inclusive programming. If you’re ready to make an impact through food, mentorship, and creativity, we’d love to hear from you.

Role & Responsibilities –

• Support participants in a group setting through daily culinary programming
• Plan and lead adapted cooking and baking lessons for all ability levels
• Teach safe and proper use of kitchen appliances, tools, and utensils
• Plan meals and lessons that accommodate dietary restrictions and individual needs
• Engage participants in hands-on culinary activities that promote independence and socialization
• Foster choice-making and skill development throughout the day
• Deliver individual program plans, goals, and behavior support plans
• Provide personal care support at the appropriate level, including hygiene, toileting, and feeding
• Implement behavior support and BEST techniques when necessary
• Administer medications and basic first aid as needed
• Complete required documentation including lesson plans, data sheets, and incident reports
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and TERI events
• Ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all participants

Qualifications –

• Completion of a professional culinary program or related field OR a minimum of one (1) year of professional culinary teaching experience
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or a related field
• Must be able to obtain a Class B Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Ability to successfully complete required trainings, background check, and physical requirements
• Demonstrated culinary skill across meal preparation and baking
• High School Diploma or GED required
  

Salary –

$25.00 Hourly

Status –

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 7:30am–3:30pm

Location –

555 Deer Springs Rd

San Marcos, CA 92069

The Benefits of Joining TERI –

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Tax-advantaged savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Financial Protection Plans – Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – Invest in your future with employer-supported retirement savings
• Health & Wellness Program – Resources and support to help you thrive, both mentally and physically
• Onsite Fitness Center & Outdoor Fitness Court – Convenient, no-cost access to exercise facilities
• Pet Insurance – Coverage options to keep your furry family members healthy
• Employee Discounts – Enjoy savings at TERI’s Common Ground Café & Coffee Bar and the Inspired Resale Boutique
• Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance
• Positive and Supportive Culture – A mission-driven team environment where your contributions are valued

Fit for Life –

TERI changes the way the world sees, helps, and empowers individuals touched by special needs. The TERI Campus of Life models a more integrated society where the entire community learns, creates, and lives well side-by-side. Here at TERI, health and wellness are integral parts of our culture for both staff and clients. “Fit for Life” is a core value, and all staff are expected to actively participate in TERI wellness programs and personally commit to the agency philosophy of being “Fit for Life.” We have an on-site Fitness Center with a full-time Wellness Team who can help you design personal fitness goals and nutrition plans; additionally, there are many opportunities for individual and group exercise classes offered at times that fit your personal schedule. TERI culture ensures the health and wellness of each client is a top priority.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER –

TERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. At TERI, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy and related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TERI believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, in touching the lives of those we serve and seek to recruit. We strive to develop and retain the most compassionate and talented people from an extensive and diverse candidate pool.