Assistant Chef-Per Diem: REGIONS Site Secure Residential Treatment Program

Community Partners in Action (CPA) is a historic and well-established organization based in Connecticut, dedicated to criminal justice reform and supporting individuals affected by the justice system. Founded nearly 150 years ago, CPA stands as one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the United States. Over the years, it has earned a national reputation for its innovative and comprehensive programs. These initiatives cover reentry support, housing, youth development, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration. With an annual reach of over 4,000 individuals throughout the state, CPA's impactful work is sustained through strong partnerships with government agencies, private funders, businesses, and community organizations. CPA prides itself on fostering a workplace culture based on BEDI principles: Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The organization actively commits to eliminating racial inequities in the criminal justice system while promoting dignity and humanity for all individuals involved with the system. More details about their cultural initiatives can be found on their website at cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey.

The REGIONS Site Secure Residential Treatment Program in Hamden, Connecticut, is a secure residential facility designed specifically for male youth. It provides a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, and relationship-driven environment aimed at helping youth develop socially, emotionally, and physically. This program accommodates up to 16 male youth who are high risk, often with histories of violence and complex treatment needs. The program's mission is to disrupt the cycle of offending behavior by providing individualized, strengths-based therapeutic interventions. Youth in the program receive support aimed at developing a positive self-image, effective coping skills, behavioral changes, and increased confidence. The ultimate goal is to prepare youth for a successful reintegration into their communities and to prevent their transition into the adult justice system.

The Assistant Chef - Per Diem role within this program is critical in supporting the well-being of the youth through proper nutrition and food service. The position involves assisting the head chef in planning, preparing, and cooking approximately 200 healthy, home-like meals daily. The role requires familiarity with Connecticut’s food service regulations and ensures compliance with all Department of Health standards. This position also includes vocational training responsibilities, whereby the assistant chef teaches the program youth safe food handling and food preparation skills, helping equip them with valuable life skills and potential career pathways.

Candidates for this position should possess adaptability, emotional intelligence, strong decision-making abilities, and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to effectively operate in this challenging environment. The role also demands a commitment to CPA’s values, including respect, empathy, equity, and fostering an environment free from bias or discrimination. Candidates are expected to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays, hold a valid Connecticut driver’s license, and have reliable transportation. Bilingual English/Spanish skills and lived experience are strongly preferred.

This position offers compensation at $20.00 per hour and requires successful completion of a comprehensive 120-hour training program within the first year, including Safe Crisis Management and other essential trainings related to ethics, suicide prevention, first aid, and mandated reporting. Workers should be prepared to work in an environment where exposure to potentially assaultive behavior may occur and where maintaining safety through de-escalation is paramount. Overall, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth while supporting the mission of an esteemed criminal justice organization.