Culinary Director

Kitchen Manager / Dining Manager

Morgantown, West Virginia
Full-Time | On-Site

Join a team that's changing lives.

At Wise Path Recovery Centers, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, we provide integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment through evidence-based, high-quality clinical care. We believe recovery is possible - and that healing happens in every detail of the environment, including the meals we serve.

Food is not just nutrition in our program. It is connection, comfort, culture, and care.

We are seeking a mission-driven Dining Manager to lead and build our culinary program at our Morgantown, West Virginia residential recovery center.

Position Overview

The Kitchen Manager / Culinary Director is responsible for full oversight and startup of food service operations within a residential behavioral health setting. This leader will design systems, establish vendor relationships, create therapeutic and culturally responsive menus, hire and develop kitchen staff, and ensure regulatory compliance.

This role is ideal for a hands-on operational leader who understands that meals are part of the healing process and who can balance structure, compliance, and excellence with compassion and mission alignment.

Essential Responsibilities

Kitchen Startup & Operations

• Lead full kitchen setup including equipment procurement, organization, workflow development, and systems implementation
• Develop weekly and monthly menus in collaboration with a Registered Dietitian (as required)
• Ensure compliance with West Virginia food safety regulations and Joint Commission standards
• Establish and manage vendor relationships within approved budget parameters
• Implement allergy protocols and culturally responsive meal options
• Monitor inventory levels and reduce food waste through strategic purchasing and planning

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff
• Develop staffing schedules to ensure full coverage for all meal periods
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork
• Model Wise Path's core values of Kindness, Teamwork, Empathy, Integrity, Excellence, and Mission-Driven service

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain temperature logs, sanitation schedules, and inspection readiness
• Ensure kitchen and dining areas consistently meet cleanliness and safety standards
• Lead all food service audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting

Client-Centered Services

• Collaborate with clinical and medical teams to support therapeutic dietary needs
• Support nutrition education initiatives when appropriate
• Proactively respond to client and staff feedback to enhance service quality

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Minimum 5 years of food service experience
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Preferred

• Certificate or degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or institutional food service settings

Key Competencies

• Operational leadership and team management
• Menu planning and budget stewardship
• Knowledge of state and federal food safety regulations
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
• Cultural awareness and trauma-informed approach
• Ability to lead during startup and growth phases

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced residential healthcare environment
• Frequent standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and multitasking
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match (if applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities
• Mission-driven culture focused on healing and community impact

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations

The organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

The organization provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify your supervisor or Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal employment opportunities.

ARS also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.