Chef

Chef

Position: Chef

Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $25-$27 per hour

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm (with potential for overtime as needed)

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Plan and submit weekly lunch and dinner menus (covering all 7 days) for approval by the Culinary Director, ensuring variety, nutrition, and program alignment.
• Maintain strict adherence to a per-client food budget while placing orders and managing food costs.
• Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary programs.
• Oversee and execute weekend meal preparations, including clear re-heating instructions to ensure meal quality and consistency.
• Submit accurate and timely expense reports through the Brex platform for all food and kitchen-related purchases.
• Complete and maintain daily temperature logs for all refrigeration and freezer units, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• Coordinate and deliver meals for satellite programs as needed, ensuring timely service and adherence to quality standards.
• Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral healthcare environment.
• Order all necessary food and kitchen supplies from approved vendors in alignment with the approved menu and budget constraints.
• Set up and serve meals during lunch and dinner service, ensuring proper food handling, temperature control, and client satisfaction.
• Manage food and supply inventory with a focus on rotation, labeling, proper storage, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and in compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
• Safely deliver meals using a company vehicle when required, maintaining food integrity during transport.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Valid Food Handler's Certification
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Recent TB Test Screening
• Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
• Valid CA Driver's License
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen setting (prep chef, line cook, catering, or personal/private chef)

Desired Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development
• Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Pescatarian
  • Gluten-free
  • Low sodium
  • Diabetic-friendly meals
• Familiarity with kitchen operations in residential healthcare or similar environments
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and effective communication
• High level of reliability, with a strong commitment to weekend availability (mandatory)
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and manage a fast-paced kitchen environment

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master's and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.