Culinary Lead Line Cook

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is the largest provider of behavioral health services in Western Massachusetts, recognized as a Top 10 Employer in Massachusetts by The Boston Globe. The organization is also a Certified Great Place to Work, known for its commitment to quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care since 1938. BHN’s core values—Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—reflect their dedication to serving diverse communities with compassion and professionalism. BHN focuses on recovery-oriented services, including their Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs, positioning themselves as a key resource in behavioral health within the region.

This opportunity focuses on the role of Lead Line Cook within BHN’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs. This is a hands-on culinary position based in a stable, structured environment where meal service plays an essential role in supporting recovery and daily structure for individuals receiving care. The position offers a competitive salary of $27,000 and includes generous paid time off, 403(b) retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits. The Lead Line Cook is a leadership role responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, managing kitchen inventory, and supporting a team-based culture.

The Lead Line Cook will lead the preparation and service of meals following approved menus and recipes, ensuring meals are served on time, at proper temperatures, and meet quality standards consistently. This role requires maintaining food safety and sanitation protocols, managing inventory and orders through approved vendors, directing kitchen workflows, assigning tasks, and adjusting staff coverage to maintain smooth operations. Additionally, the Lead Line Cook is expected to step in during food production or service as needed to keep operations running without interruption. The position involves close collaboration with program staff and culinary leadership to support individuals served by the SUD programs, including responding to feedback and maintaining accurate records related to safety and inventory.

Candidates for this role should be reliable, professional, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities in a structured environment. A ServSafe certification is mandatory, along with a preference for candidates with high school diploma or GED and experience in food preparation within structured or program settings. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to recovery principles and community integration are critical. Candidates with at least two years of sobriety are preferred, reflecting the program’s values of empowerment and healing. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are also required.

This role offers leadership opportunities within a mission-driven organization that values dignity, recovery, and a team-oriented workplace culture. Joining BHN means becoming part of a respected regional leader in behavioral health care where your work directly supports individual empowerment and meaningful recovery journeys. The Lead Line Cook will have a significant impact on the daily lived experiences of individuals within SUD programs through the delivery of nutritious, timely, and quality meals. BHN’s structured approach with clear expectations ensures that staff thrive by working within a supportive, stable, and purpose-driven environment.