Cook at Steelgem – Santa Ana, California

About The Edge Treatment Center

The Edge Treatment Center is a dynamic addiction recovery provider located in central Orange County.

The Edge prides itself on serving its community. We do so with a transparent, collaborative culture fueled by genuine compassion for those in recovery. We’re out to change the addiction treatment landscape … and have fun doing it. If you feel you’re a right fit for our community, apply now!

Position Summary

The Cook is responsible for overseeing the preparation of meals for clients undergoing rehabilitation. The position is responsible for creating menus that are both nutritious and appetizing, while adhering to any dietary restrictions or requirements the clients may have. The role will also be responsible for managing the kitchen staff and ensuring that all meals are prepared safely and hygienically.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Meal Planning

• Prepare ingredients and cooking meals following standardized recipes.
• Create and manage weekly menus that are nutritious and appetizing
• Accommodate any dietary restrictions or requirements that clients may have
• Monitor food consumption and adjust menu plans accordingly to minimize waste
• Provide cooking demonstrations and education to clients as needed
• Exhibit knowledge of standard methods, materials, procedures, and regulations of food preparation and service.

Kitchen Operations

• Oversee kitchen and kitchen operations, including ordering supplies and maintaining inventory
• Inventory control by restocking supplies as necessary and ensuring food items are stored properly.
• Monitor kitchen budgets and ensure that all expenses are within budgetary constraints
• Assist with other tasks as needed to support kitchen operations.

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis
• Clean and sanitize all work areas, equipment, and utensils to maintain a hygienic environment.
• Ensure food safety standards are met, including proper temperatures for storage and preparation to avoid food borne illness.
• Ensure that all meals are prepared safely and hygienically, adhering to all food safety regulations
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, including proper disposal of waste and cleaning of kitchen appliances.
• Follow all safety procedures and protocols to ensure safe food handling and a safe working environment.

Collaboration and Professional Skills

• Collaborate with other members of the team to ensure that clients receive the necessary nutritional support for their recovery. Positively interact and develop rapport with clients.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with subordinate employees, supervisors, center and corporate employees.
• Maintain a culture of care conducive to maximum benefit of clients and staff.

Qualification Requirements

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.
• Extensive knowledge of nutrition, special dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, low-sodium, diabetic diets), and food safety regulations.
• Proven experience in menu creation, meal planning, and cost control.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, especially in inventory management and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of food quality and safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with other staff members and clients.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience as a cook
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary restrictions
• Experience running a kitchen and operations
• CA Food Handler Certificate or equivalent is required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Negative TB test results within past year.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the kitchen for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with fluctuating temperatures.
• Frequent use of arms, hands, and wrists for repetitive manual labor, including chopping, lifting, and carrying.
• Ability to bend, reach, stretch, and squat as needed to complete tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs, such as bags of ingredients or kitchen equipment.

Shift: Monday - Friday with some weekends as needed.

Hours: 4-6 hours per day