Head Chef

The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties is a well-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from age 19 through seniors across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Since 1956, The Arc has built a reputation for providing high-quality, engaging community-based programs that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Its mission centers on empowering these individuals and their families to build person-centered life skills, gain access to meaningful opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging within the community. The Arc envisions a world where people with disabilities thrive and truly belong, creating inclusive and supportive environments that promote dignity, respect, and personal growth.

The organization is currently seeking a Culinary Program Head Chef, a dynamic and skilled culinary professional to lead its culinary program. This full-time role plays a critical part in developing and delivering a comprehensive culinary curriculum designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Head Chef will be responsible not only for menu development and food preparation but also for leading hands-on instruction within a commercial kitchen setting. This unique position combines culinary expertise with educational leadership, requiring the ability to create a nurturing and structured environment that supports real-world learning and life skills development.

Reporting directly to the Director of Programs, the Head Chef will oversee daily kitchen operations, including managing a team of over four staff members. This involves active engagement in cooking, supervising kitchen stations, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Menu creation will focus on seasonal ingredients and the preferences of program participants to provide diverse, nutritious, and appealing meals. Moreover, the Head Chef will design and implement an adaptive curriculum that is sensitive to the learning needs of adults with developmental disabilities, promoting skill acquisition in a supportive manner.

Additional responsibilities include inventory management, ordering supplies, maintaining a clean and compliant kitchen environment, and collaborating with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth event operation for meetings and special occasions. The position requires adherence to all health and safety regulations and organizational policies to safeguard the well-being of all involved. Communication, teambuilding, and staff development are key elements of this role, requiring the Head Chef to facilitate leadership standards and maintain an organized, motivated culinary team.

The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:15 PM, with occasional evenings or weekends for special events. The role offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $22 to $26 based on experience and education, along with comprehensive benefits including health, vision, dental insurance, a 403B retirement plan with employer contributions, and paid time off. This is an in-person position at The Arc’s facilities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through culinary arts education, leadership, and community engagement. The Arc’s Culinary Program Head Chef ensures not only culinary excellence but also creates meaningful learning opportunities that empower participants to thrive in all aspects of their lives.