Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals for clients and staff in accordance with the facility’s meal schedule, nutritional guidelines, and food safety standards. The Cook works under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager and assists in maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment while supporting daily food service operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to the facility’s approved menu and meal schedule.
• Ensure meals are prepared in appropriate portions and served on time for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and approved snacks.
• Assist with food preparation tasks including chopping, measuring, portioning, and cooking food items.
• Ensure meals meet general nutritional standards and accommodate dietary restrictions when directed.
• Assist with meal service and ensure food is presented in a clean and organized manner.

• Assist the Kitchen Manager in daily kitchen operations and food preparation tasks.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace during meal preparation.
• Assist with unloading food deliveries and properly storing food supplies.
• Rotate food inventory and monitor expiration dates to ensure food quality.
• Support kitchen operations during high-volume meal service times.

• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures to prevent contamination and maintain a safe kitchen environment.
• Maintain proper food storage practices including refrigeration, freezing, and dry storage.
• Monitor food temperatures during cooking, holding, and serving as required by food safety standards.
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and dining areas.
• Comply with all health department regulations and facility sanitation policies.

• Work cooperatively with the Kitchen Manager and kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
• Communicate food supply needs or kitchen concerns to the Kitchen Manager.
• Maintain professional conduct while working in a residential treatment environment.
• Support program operations by maintaining a safe and respectful environment for clients and staff.

Our Mission

Helping people overcome addiction so each person thrives and builds a healthier, more meaningful life.

Our Values

THRIVES reflects the core values that guide how we serve our clients, support our staff, and shape our culture and standards of care.

• Trust : We do what we say. Consistency builds trust.
• Hospitality : We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Responsibility : We own our work and follow through - and we don’t make excuses.
• Integrity : We do the right thing, always.
• Value-Driven Care : We deliver care that truly makes a difference.
• Excellence : We strive to improve every day and we don’t cut corners.
• Safety : We maintain a structured, high quality environment that prioritizes the safety and support of both clients and staff.

Why Work at Wildwood Recovery Center?

• Be part of a supportive team that helps individuals on their journey to recovery and wellness.
• We offer flexible scheduling from some positions and a supportive environment that values the well-being of our employees.
• We are committed to fostering personal and professional growth within our team. Wildwood Recovery Center creates opportunities for employees to take on new responsibilities and grow within the recovery community.
• Wildwood Recovery Center recognizes that relevant experience may substitute for formal education requirements when not required by regulation and/or credentialing.

What You Can Expect from Us

At Wildwood Recovery Center, our THRIVES values guide how we support our team and operate every day. We are committed to:

• Providing the tools, training, and leadership support you need to succeed and grow in your role.
• Operating a reliable, well-structured program that promotes quality care, stability, and long-term success.
• Recognizing and rewarding meaningful contributions while prioritizing internal advancement based on merit and performance.
• Maintaining open communication and a respectful, psychologically safe workplace grounded in trust, excellence, accountability, compassion, hospitality, and safety.

What We Expect from You

• As an employee at Wildwood Recovery Center, you are expected to:
• Execute your responsibilities accurately, efficiently, and with a strong sense of ownership.
• Collaborate professionally with colleagues and leadership to strengthen team performance and culture.
• Treat clients, families, and team members with dignity, respect, and professionalism at all times.
• Actively support a safe, structured, recovery-focused environment where both clients and staff can thrive.

About Wildwood Recovery Center

Wildwood Recovery Center is a compassionate, client-centered treatment facility located in Clintwood, Virginia that is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their lives from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We believe that recovery is possible for everyone and are committed to providing evidence-based care, education, and peer-driven support in a safe and nurturing environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to foster healing, growth, and long-term wellness through personalized treatment and community connection.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in food service, commercial kitchen operations, or institutional cooking preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety practices required.
• Food safety certification (such as ServSafe Food Handler) preferred or required within a specified timeframe.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Reliable transportation to and from the facility.
• Must be able to pass a state and federal background check and drug screening per Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) regulations.

• Basic knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen safety practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and meal plans accurately.
• Knowledge of food sanitation and food handling procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with kitchen staff and facility personnel.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Requires standing for extended periods, lifting food supplies, and working near kitchen equipment and heat sources.
• May require early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts depending on meal service schedules.