Chef - Behavioral Health Facility in SANTA BARBARA, California at Casa Serena

Primary Purpose and Function

The Chef facilitates meal preparation by providing appetizing and nutritious meals for clients, as well as special events as needed. This position is responsible for daily meal prep, food purchasing, food and supply inventory, and maintaining the kitchen according to county health codes and ServeSafe standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Preparing all meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner) for clients
• Prepping all meals to be prepared/reheated by program staff during the chefs days off
• Collaborating with supervisor to create a weekly menu for all meals, adapting to client food allergies and preferences as needed
• Creating shopping list and managing supply purchases to operate kitchen, menu development and other duties
• Conducting grocery shopping trips weekly and as needed
• Adhering to budget guidelines as indicated by census
• Overseeing refrigerator, freezer, and pantry inventory spreadsheet
• Responsible for safe food standards including sanitation, food temperatures, refrigerator temperatures, food handling, and proper food storage and labelling
• Responsible for maintaining a cleanly kitchen environment including bussing and washing dishes and cleaning kitchen equipment
• Ensuring kitchen safety by adhering to facility sharps protocol
• Communicating information to the appropriate personnel about unsafe conditions and defective equipment
• Providing food for holidays and special events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competency (minimum skills, knowledge and experience needed to perform essential functions and responsibilities)

1. ServeSafe Standards
2. Menu creation
3. Census & Inventory
4. Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally
5. Possess a professional demeanor and a collaborative spirit
6. Have a general understanding and/or training in cultural diversity issues

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of chef / cooking experience
• One year of treatment center experience preferred
• Food Handler's Certification (servsafe certified) preferred or willing to obtain upon hire
• Current CPR & First Aid Certification and TB/Health Screen within 60 days of employment (or willing to obtain upon 7 days of hire)
• Basic computer skills, experience in MS Office or Google Suite preferred
• Experience in a behavioral health treatment facility preferred
• Coursework in psychology, addiction studies or social work preferred
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and insurable by our insurance carrier

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and respond quickly to emergencies
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Exposure to clients in emotional distress or crisis situations
• Work performed in office, residential, or detox environment