Chef

Akua Behavioral Health is a prominent behavioral health organization based in California, specializing in mental health and substance abuse treatment. As one of the state’s leading providers in this field, Akua Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at supporting clients through their recovery journey. The center employs highly qualified Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians who deliver individualized, compassionate care across various licensed and accredited facilities located throughout Northern and Southern California. Known for pioneering an integrative East-meets-West approach, the organization combines evidence-based Western therapies with holistic Eastern traditions, addressing the mind, body, and spirit to foster lasting recovery and well-being.

The Chef position at Akua Behavioral Health is an essential full-time, non-exempt hourly role with compensation ranging from $25 to $27 per hour. The working schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with potential overtime as needed. This position plays a critical role in supporting the therapeutic environment by providing nutritious and diverse meals that meet specific dietary guidelines aligned with the health programs. The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals for up to 90 clients within a residential behavioral healthcare setting, ensuring high standards of food safety, nutrition, and client satisfaction.

In this capacity, the Chef will develop weekly menus for both lunch and dinner, covering all seven days of the week, with a focus on variety, dietary needs, and program alignment. They will manage food ordering and budgeting, strictly adhering to the per-client food budget to maintain cost efficiency without compromising quality. The role also involves crafting detailed preparation instructions and portioning guidelines to accommodate multiple dietary programs, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, low sodium, and diabetic-friendly meals.

The Chef will oversee meal preparation for weekends, provide reheating instructions to maintain food quality, and manage food and kitchen inventories while prioritizing proper storage, labeling, rotation, and waste reduction. Essential operational responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and ensuring compliance with all local health and safety regulations. Furthermore, the Chef will submit accurate expense reports, maintain refrigeration and freezer temperature logs, and deliver meals as needed to satellite programs, sometimes utilizing a company vehicle.

Candidates for this role should bring a minimum of three years’ professional kitchen experience, hold valid certifications including Food Handler’s, CPR, and First Aid, and have current TB testing and background screening completed. The position demands physical stamina for prolonged standing and managing a fast-paced working environment, along with a strong commitment to reliability and weekend availability. The Chef will also be expected to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining effective communication channels across the organization.

Joining Akua Behavioral Health as a Chef provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the recovery and well-being of individuals in a therapeutic environment. This role not only requires culinary expertise but also a deep understanding of specialized dietary needs and a commitment to supporting the mission of healing and transformation. The position offers a supportive team environment, competitive hourly wages, and the chance to be part of an innovative healthcare organization dedicated to integrative treatment approaches.