Assistant Chef at Meridian Healthcare – Youngstown, Ohio

At Meridian HealthCare, our mission is to provide integrated, whole-person healthcare that supports individuals and families in achieving their highest level of wellness. We specialize in primary care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, and recovery services—because we believe every person deserves compassionate, comprehensive care that meets their unique needs.

We put people first, believe in the power of teamwork, and utilize our resources responsibly to fuel long-term growth and success. If these values resonate with you and you are driven to make a meaningful impact every day, Meridian HealthCare is the ideal place to take the next step in your rewarding career.

The Assistant Chef supports the Head Chef in delivering nutritious, high-quality meals within an inpatient treatment environment. This role plays a key part in enhancing the patient experience by ensuring meals are consistent, accommodating dietary needs, and served in a welcoming and respectful manner. The Assistant Chef helps maintain a safe, organized kitchen while supporting recovery-focused care through food service.

As a full-time Meridian HealthCare employee, you will have access to a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Eligibility for Federal Loan Forgiveness programs including STAR (on qualifying clinical roles)
• Additional employee-focused resources that support work–life balance and long-term career growth

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals that are nutritious, appealing, and supportive of patient recovery.
• Ensure meals meet special dietary needs, including medical, cultural, and behavioral health considerations.
• Provide a positive, respectful interaction with patients during meal service.
• Support efforts to make mealtimes a comfortable and structured part of the treatment environment.
• Ensure meals are served on time and meet established standards.
• Support daily kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and organization.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, scheduling, and proper food storage.
• Minimize food waste and contribute to cost-effective operations.
• Assist in guiding kitchen staff and supporting a collaborative team environment
• Help train staff on food preparation, safety, and patient-centered service expectations
• Communicate effectively with clinical and residential staff as needed
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and infection control standards
• Work collaboratively with clinical and nursing staff regarding patient dietary needs
• Support adjustments to meals based on medical or behavioral health requirements
• Participate in creating a supportive, recovery-oriented environment

• Culinary training or certification
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or substance use treatment settings
• ServSafe or equivalent certification
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays