Chef

Akua Behavioral Health is California's premier mental health and substance abuse treatment center dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to clients across the state. With fully licensed and accredited facilities in both Northern and Southern California, Akua Behavioral Health combines high clinical standards with innovative programs. Employing Master's and Doctorate level clinicians, the center tailors treatment plans at various levels of care to suit the unique needs of each patient. The organization is recognized for its pioneering integrative approach that merges Western evidence-based therapies with holistic Eastern practices, fostering healing of the mind, body, and spirit. This comprehensive care philosophy aims to empower individuals seeking lasting recovery through a supportive and transformative environment.

The role of Chef at Akua Behavioral Health is a critical position responsible for managing and executing meal services for clients within a residential behavioral healthcare setting. This full-time, hourly position operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with potential overtime as necessary. The role offers competitive compensation between $25 to $27 per hour, reflecting the importance of the culinary services within the treatment experience. The Chef will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritionally balanced menus that meet the dietary needs of up to 90 clients daily. A key part of the position involves designing weekly lunch and dinner menus across seven days, ensuring variation and alignment with both program goals and budget constraints. The Chef must maintain meticulous control over food costs, ordering supplies within budget while ensuring quality and adherence to nutritional standards.

This role requires in-depth knowledge of health regulations and food safety, with responsibilities including maintaining daily temperature logs of refrigeration units, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and keeping the kitchen organized and sanitary. The Chef will also prepare meals for satellite programs and handle safe transportation of food using company vehicles when required. Experience in managing kitchen inventory, food storage, and waste reduction is essential to optimize kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will be an experienced culinary professional with at least three years in a professional kitchen setting such as catering, prep cook, or private chef. They should demonstrate proficiency in preparing a variety of cuisine types, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, low sodium, and diabetic-friendly diets, showcasing a versatility that meets diverse health requirements.

A valid Food Handler's Certification, CPR and First Aid Certifications, TB test screening, and successful background checks are mandatory to ensure safety and compliance. The physical demands of the role include the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and the stamina to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Additionally, reliability and a strong commitment to weekend availability are crucial, as weekend meal preparation and accurate re-heating instructions are part of the job duties. This Chef position at Akua Behavioral Health represents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the recovery of individuals through dedicated culinary care in an esteemed healthcare organization.