Executive Chef/Director of Dietary Services

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Executive Chef/Director of Dietary Services - Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center - Midland, TX

Signet Health is currently recruiting for a Executive Chef/Director of Dietary Services for a New , free-standing psychiatric hospital located at Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center in Midland, TX.

The Executive Chef/Director of Dietary Servicesr oversees daily food service operations to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality meal service for patients and staff in an inpatient behavioral health hospital. This role supervises dietary staff, maintains sanitation and food safety standards, ensures therapeutic diet accuracy, and supports compliance with DNV, CMS, and Texas HHS regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Operations & Food Production

• Supervise daily kitchen operations including food preparation, tray line, meal delivery, and cleanup.

• Ensure all meals meet standards for temperature, quality, appearance, and timeliness.

• Monitor food production schedules to ensure correct quantities and minimize waste.

• Assist in preparing meals during peak periods or staff shortages.

• Oversee safe operation of kitchen equipment.

Staff Supervision & Scheduling

• Direct, train, and support cooks, dietary aides, and dish room staff.

• Prepare and adjust schedules based on census and staffing needs.

• Conduct daily team huddles and assign workstations.

• Provide coaching, corrective action, and performance feedback in collaboration with the Food Service Manager/Director.

Therapeutic Diet Implementation

• Ensure meal trays follow physician-ordered diets including:

• Diabetic/carb-controlled

• Cardiac

• Renal

• Texture-modified diets

• Food allergies/sensitivities

• Verify accuracy of tray tickets and diet modifications.

• Communicate with Nursing and the RD about diet changes and patient concerns.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Enforce proper food handling, storage, thawing, reheating, cooling, and cleaning procedures.

• Conduct daily sanitation inspections and complete corrective action when needed.

• Monitor and document:

• Food temperatures

• Refrigerator/freezer temperatures

• Dish machine logs

• Cleaning schedules

• Ensure staff maintain food handler or food protection certifications as required by Texas regulations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with:

• DNV NIAHO standards for food and nutrition services

• CMS Conditions of Participation (CoP)

• Texas HHS rules for inpatient psychiatric facilities

• Local health department and FDA Food Code requirements

• Participate in survey readiness activities, mock inspections, and quality initiatives.

• Ensure staff follow all policies, including dietary-specific competencies.

Inventory & Supplies

• Assist with ordering food and supplies according to par levels.

• Receive, inspect, and store deliveries following FIFO and safety standards.

• Help maintain accurate inventory records and reduce waste.

• Communicate shortages or equipment issues to the Food Service Manager.

Quality Assurance

• Conduct tray accuracy audits and meal-service rounds.

• Track patient and staff meal satisfaction concerns and report trends.

• Support QAPI projects related to food service, safety, and patient experience.

Behavioral Health Safety Practices

• Ensure dietary staff follow psychiatric safety standards including:

• Limiting sharp utensils

• Securing chemicals and hazardous items

• Monitoring kitchen access

• Following procedures for high-risk patients

• Ensure trauma-informed communication with patients during meal interactions.

Responsibilities

REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum 2 years of food service experience, including 1 year in a supervisory role.

• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation standards.
• Texas Food Handler Certification (must obtain within 30 days).
• Texas Food Protection Manager (ServSafe)

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work safely in a behavioral health environment.

PREFERRED

• Experience in a healthcare or behavioral health food service setting.

• Experience with therapeutic diets or hospital tray-line operations.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) certification.

Qualifications

Living in Midland, Texas adds to the appeal, offering a high quality of life with affordable housing, short commutes, excellent schools, and a welcoming community. Midland blends small-city convenience with big-opportunity energy, featuring a vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and easy access to regional travel—making it an ideal place to grow both professionally and personally.

Working at Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center offers the rare opportunity to be part of a brand-new, mission-driven organ