Restaurant Chefs Needed

Chef

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations and preparing nutritious, appealing meals for adolescents within our residential treatment program. This role supports a positive and structured environment through food preparation, menu planning, kitchen organization, and consistent meal service.

Kitchen Operations & Meal Preparation

Prepare and cook daily meals and snacks for adolescent residents

Develop rotating menus that are balanced, nutritious, and appealing to teens ages 1217

Prepare a variety of foods including grilled, baked, sauted, fried, and cold dishes

Follow and create recipes while introducing creative meal ideas and specials

Coordinate kitchen responsibilities and maintain efficient daily operations

Ensure meals are prepared and served according to scheduling requirements

Food Safety & Organization

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment

Properly store, label, rotate, and monitor food inventory

Ensure compliance with health, sanitation, and food handling regulations

Keep cooking stations cleaned, stocked, and organized throughout shifts

Safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment and tools

Client Environment & Team Support

Contribute positively to the therapeutic environment through professionalism and consistency

Maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism while interacting with adolescent clients

Work collaboratively with program staff and leadership

Support a welcoming and structured dining experience for clients

Maintain flexibility and composure in a fast-paced residential setting

You are passionate about cooking and understand the impact that quality meals and consistency can have in a therapeutic environment. You are dependable, organized, and thrive in environments where teamwork, structure, and adaptability are essential.

You are someone who:

Takes pride in preparing high-quality meals and maintaining kitchen standards

Demonstrates strong organization, cleanliness, and time management skills

Remains calm and professional in fast-paced or high-pressure situations

Enjoys creating meals that are both nutritious and engaging for teens

Works collaboratively and contributes positively to team culture

Understands the importance of professionalism and consistency in a residential treatment setting

Required Qualifications

Minimum 1 year of experience working in kitchen, restaurant, food service, or residential settings

Knowledge of kitchen equipment, food preparation techniques, sanitation, and food safety standards

Ability to lift heavy pots, food containers, and kitchen equipment

Strong teamwork and communication skills

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's degree, culinary degree, or culinary certification preferred

Experience in residential treatment, behavioral health, school, or healthcare settings

Experience preparing meals for large groups or institutional settings

Creative culinary skills and menu planning experience

At Growth Centers of America, you'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to creating meaningful change in the lives of adolescents and families. We value compassion, collaboration, accountability, and personal growth both for the clients we serve and the professionals who serve them.

This is more than a culinary role it is an opportunity to create comfort, consistency, and positive daily experiences for adolescents during important moments in their lives.

Adolescent