Join Us!

The D.I.S.H. Foundation is excited to announce we are currently accepting applications for employment, letters of interest and resumes for a variety of positions for individuals with IDD as well as neurotypical individuals looking to make a difference within the IDD community! Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be a part of something bigger to better the IDD community?  We are looking for like-minded, compassionate, motivated individuals who want to help individuals with IDD succeed!    Below is a list of our employment and volunteer opportunities!

  • Vocational Programs
  • Volunteer
  • Respite and Other Services
  • Employment
Vocational Programs
  • Vocational Culinary Skills Program for Individuals with IDD

We offer two different programs through our Vocational Services. One is our Vocational Training Program (VTP), and the second is our On The Job Training (OTJ) program. Read below to learn more. A link to an application is included for each one.  

Vocational Training Program (VTP)

This educational based coursework focuses on basic fundamental skills used in the culinary industry and builds on that foundation. The goal is to develop

necessary skills and training, that can be applied in a culinary job setting. There are 5 categories of course work:



These coursework categories also include important soft skills such as customer service, communication and time management. Each student meets with an instructor to develop an individualize goal plan, specific to their abilities and desired goals. Each student’s plan is unique to them, so length of program can vary. Focused, practical training is crucial to the success of each student which provides them with a skill set they can apply to future jobs. Our goal is

to set each student up for success! 


Upon completion of each categorized course-work, students will receive a certificate of completion, have the opportunity to add another coursework category with a new set of goals, and discuss other opportunities which may include inquiring into paid positions. This educational coursework is not a paid position. The fee for each six week session is $150 which partially covers the costs associated with running the program. You can pay out of pocket or use DDA funds. We are an approve contractor with DDA and this program is covered through respite services. The remaining expenses are covered through private donations. We appreciate any and all donations to help support our services. Every bit counts! A few partial scholarships are available. If you do not have respite services and cannot afford the fee, please reach out.


An ideal applicant would be someone with or without culinary experience who has an interest in working in the food industry, is passionate about one of the five categories, and wants to develop their skills. Students also have the option of becoming a class assistant if working in a culinary setting is not a

goal. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE A VTP APPLICATION


On The Job Training (OTJ)

This program is an advanced skill opportunity that provides students with a paid position in a culinary setting through our partnership with Our Kitchen. Each student will be working in an inclusive atmosphere, along side coworkers with and without IDD. Some students in this program will also have a government or private party job coach, an assigned mentor through Our Kitchen, or a mentor through the DISH Foundation, if needed. These students will be employed through the DISH Foundation as they apply and practice the skills they’ve refined either in our VTP or another culinary training program. The

importance of prior training is crucial to the success and positive experience for each student. Our goal is to set each student up for success!


Established OTJ students who have been able to apply their training have the opportunity to meet with their OTJ instructor to either continue to stay on with current opportunity, or discuss other employment opportunities with fellow supporting community businesses. Learn more about each position below:



CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE AN OTJ APPLICATION


If you know someone who is interested in some of this but isn’t quite ready for the job option, check out our other services including our respite programming here(link Respite and other services).


All of our programs rely on community support and donations. If you’d like to contribute to the success of our students, clients and programs, please

consider a monthly pledge or one time donation by clicking here: DONATION.

Baker & Cook: Vocational Training

Prepare, measure, mix ingredients, roll, shape dough, bake & cook, follow recipe, develop food handling skills and create items that match examples. Click here to apply.

Food Prep: Vocational Training

Stock supplies, prepare baking areas, organize, slice or measure ingredients for bakers or cooks, clean up stations, assist cooks and bakers as needed, develop food handling skills, health and safety

skills, along with other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Beverage Service

Vocational Training

Learn a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, including how to prepare, create, and serve each kind. Develop food handling skills, health and safety skills, along with other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Customer Service

Vocational Training

Handling money, taking payment in the form of credit cards, gift cards, and cash, as well as providing change, using point-of-sale (POS) computer system that print off orders for baristas and

bakers, assist in order expediting, develop food handling skills, health and safety skills, along with other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Packaging

Vocational Training

Learn how to package various types of food items; including items for individual sale, labeling, and bulk packaging. Learn food handling skills, health and safety skills, along with other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Baker

OTJ Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Prepare, measure, mix ingredients, roll & shape dough, bake menu items in advance or as needed as product runs out. Follow food handling, and health & safety rules along with practicing other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Food Prep

OJT Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Put away delivery orders, stock supplies, prepare baking areas, organize, slice or measure ingredients for bakers and cooks, clean up stations, wash dishes, prepare food for next shift. Follow food handling, health & safety rules along with practicing other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Barista

OTJ Training

Starts at $15.74/hour. Fill hot and cold drink orders ranging from coffee to tea, juices and other beverages. Includes use of espresso machine and adding flavors, back-up cashier, expedite baked good orders, follow food handling, health & safety rules and practice other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Cashier

OTJ Training

Starts at $15.74/hour. Money handling, take payments in the form of credit cards, gift cards and cash as well as providing correct change. Successfully use Point Of Sale (POS) computer system that prints off orders for barista and bakers. Expedite food and drinks order to the customer. Follow food handling, health & safety rules and practice other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Packaging

OTJ Training

Starts at $15.74/hour. Package baked goods, menu items, and prepared dishes for individual sale as well as labeling packaged items. Follow food handling, health & safety rules and practice other vocational skills. Click here to apply.

Line Cook

OTJ Training

Starts at $15.74/hour. Read kitchen order tickets. Prepare, garnish, and arrange food as orders come in, follow food safety and handling procedures, and place finished product in pick-up window. Click here to apply.

Volunteer
  • Baking/Cooking Mentor
  • *Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please email Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Assistant Teacher – cooking classes
  • This person will help and support the lead teacher during cooking classes which includes assisting students with directions and skills as well as set up and clean up.

Baker: Paid Position

Starts at $15/hour. Prepare, bake & package items from a menu. Develop food handling skills, health and safety skills along with other important culinary life skills. To Apply, complete our application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, send to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Specialized Habilitation Coach Aid

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Admin Assistant
  • Help with phone calls, coordinating orders, deliveries, employees, community partners, inputting data, tracking data…etc.

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Marketing/Social media assistant
  • Do you find yourself checking out the latest social media trends? Interested in helping a good cause grow their fanbase? This might be the perfect fit for you!

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Grant Committee
  • Interested in being on a committee to help apply for, track and research grants?

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Event Coordinator
  • Do you like planning parties and events? So do we!  Looking for someone to coordinate “pop-ups”, collaborate with community supporters, come up with creative ideas to spread the word and fundraise!

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Event Assistant
  • Assistance before, during and after special events such as fundraisers, GetDISHed cooking show, Recorded Interviews, provide assistance to Event Coordinator.

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • Assist in supervision, develop and/or implementation of curriculum for cooking classes, respite opportunities, specialize habilitation group sessions and individual client sessions.

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Employment Coordinator
  • Assist in supervision, coordination and/or oversee employment opportunities within the DISH Foundation and partnering businesses.

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

  • Delivery driver
  • This person will drive one of our bakers or volunteers to delivery destinations to drop off swag, food or other.

Baking/Cooking Mentor: Volunteer

*Volunteer position that can lead to a paid position*: This position would shadow and support one or two of our bakers and assist as needed with the baking task. In depth baking knowledge not required. A passion for social good and a desire to make an impact not only in our community but in the lives of our bakers, is highly recommended. Click here to complete our application and provide references. Resume encouraged but not required.


If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to Suzanne Taylor, Suzanne @ dishfoundation.net

Respite and Other Services

The DISH Foundation is an approved Respite Contractor with DDA.  We also understand the importance of provide respite services to caregivers of those living with IDD.  We have a few different programs that clients can use their DDA funds for. Those who do not have DDA funds to use, can still participate and pay out of pocket. Below are the Respite Services Currently Offered:

 

Respite Cooking - Our Respite Cooking Classes are geared toward individuals who have an interest in baking or food and are interested in exploring that more. These are laid back, less structured classes revolving around food handling and recipes which provides respite for caregivers, a fun experience for clients/students, and the opportunity for clients/students to explore the culinary realm to see if this is of interest to them in the future. All ages can participate in this and is open to neurotypical and individuals with IDD. Classes are 2 hours long and cost $60.. Respite cooking is on Sundays and Mondays. Email Suzanne@dishfoundation.net if you’d like to sign up.

Specialized Habilitation - Specialized Habilitation helps people learn or maintain a range of life skills in any of the pre-determined categories which enhance their well-being, create healthy relationships, navigate challenges, and improve their overall quality of life.  Clients work with our coaches work to develop a range of individual life skills based on person-centered goals. These skills can be anywhere from learning how to asking a friend to lunch, safely getting from point A to point B, personal space, personal relationships, and other social development skills. Email Suzanne@dishfoundation.net if you’d like to learn more and sign up.

Community Engagement – These services are designed to increase a client’s connection to and engagement in formal and informal community networks and supports which allows them to develop relationships with peers and other community members who are not paid to provide services to them. This is designed for those with IDD and currently receive services through DDA.  Services are paid through DDA funds but for those without DDA services, individual payment can be arranged. Email Suzanne@dishfoundation.net if you’d like to sign up.

Employment
  • Baker: Paid position

Baker: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Prepare, measure, mix ingredients, roll & shape dough, bake & cook menu items, develop food handling skills, health & safety skills along with other vocational skills.

To Apply, complete our application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with the application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Barista: Paid position 

Barista: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Fill hot and cold drink orders ranging from coffee to tea, juices and other beverages. Includes use of espresso machine and adding flavors, back-up cashier, expedite baked good orders, develop food handling skills, health & safety skills along with other vocational skills.

To Apply, complete our Application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with your application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Cashier: Paid position 

Cashier: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Handling money while taking payment in the form of credit cards, gift cards and cash as well as providing change, using Point Of Sale (POS) computer system that prints off orders for barista and bakers, develop food handling skills, health & safety skills along with other vocational skills. 

To Apply, complete our Application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with your application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Food Prep: Paid position 

Food Prep: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Stock supplies, prepare baking areas, organize, slice or measure ingredients for bakers, clean up stations, develop food handling skills, health & safety skills along with other vocational skills.

To Apply, complete our Application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with your application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Packaging: Paid position 

Packaging: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Packaging prepared menu food items for individual sale as well as stamping coffee sleeves/container with branded stamp, develop food handling skills, health & safety skills along with other vocational skills.

To Apply, complete our Application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with your application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Line Cook: Paid position 

Line Cook: Paid Position

Starts at $15.74/hour. Read kitchen order tickets. Prepare, garnish, and arrange food as orders come in, follow food safety and handling procedures, and placed finished product in pick-up window.

To Apply, complete our Application here. Resumes encouraged; if you have a resume, upload it with your application or email it to suzanne@dishfoundation.net

  • Specialized Habilitation Coach
  • Specialized Habilitation helps people learn or maintain a range of life skills in any of the pre-determined categories which enhance their well-being, create healthy relationships, navigate challenges, and improve their overall quality of life! Click here for More Info & How to Apply

Specialized Habilitation Coach

Specialized Habilitation Coaches work with DDA clients to develop a range of individual life skills based on person-centered goals. These skills can be anywhere from learning how to asking a friend to lunch, safely getting from point A to point B, personal space, personal relationships, and other social development skills. Minimum requirements are: Must be a certified Life Skills Coach with current and valid certification, or have a BA, Masters or Doctoral degree in the field of psychology, sociology, social work, education, child development, gerontology, recreational therapy, nursing, or other related field approved in advance; or be in a University internship program for psychology, sociology, social work, education, child development, gerontology recreational therapy, or nursing or be supervised by the University’s internship program. Wage: DOE. Send your Employment Packet (see below) to Suzanne@dishfoundation.net.

Employment Packet should include:

  1. At least 1 year experience working with individuals who experience IDD
  2. Transcript from University reflecting degree
  3. Resume of experience
  4. Be able to pass a background check
  5. A letter of Interest
  • Specialized Habilitation Internship

Specialized Habilitation Internship

Specialized Habilitation Coaches Internship work closely with our Founder or other SpecHab Coaches & clients to develop a range of individual life skills based on person-centered goals. These skills can be anywhere from learning how to asking a friend to lunch, safely getting from point A to point B, personal space, personal relationships, and other social development skills. Wages: DOE.

Minimum requirements are:

  1. At least 2 years’ experience working with individuals who experience IDD
  2. High School Diploma
  3. Resume of experience
  4. Three professional references that include contact information
  5. Be able to pass a background check
  6. A letter of Interest
  • Cooking Class Teacher

Cooking Class Teacher

Develop your own curriculum to teach or use one from our cooking program! These classes can be as basic as you want or advanced for experienced cookers! Want to lead a Ladies’ Night Cooking Class? Parents’ Night Out Cooking with Kids? Adult class on healthier cooking? Have your own idea? Sign up now to lead the class!

Requirements:

  1. Must have at least 1 year experience working with individuals who experience IDD
  2. Must be able to pass a background check.
  3. Email Suzanne@dishfoundation.net the following items
  • A letter of ​ interest
  • History of experience (it’s ok if your experience is cooking for your family!)
  • Indicate whether you’d like to lead your own class or use curriculum from our program
  • Dates/times you’d be available!

***Must be able to pass background check***

  • Respite Contractor
  • Be a mentor in a cooking class, a food production order or an educational class!

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