Mather Community Campus - Head Chef

Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada (VOA-NCNN) is a distinguished nonprofit organization with a rich history dating back to 1911. As a vital ministry of service, VOA-NCNN is committed to empowering vulnerable individuals and families to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential. With approximately 500 dedicated paid professional employees, the organization stands as one of the largest providers of comprehensive social services in the Northern California and Northern Nevada regions. VOA-NCNN operates over 40 programs that include housing assistance, employment services, substance abuse recovery, and a variety of supportive services tailored to meet the needs of families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. Every night, the organization provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children, demonstrating its commitment to addressing homelessness and related challenges effectively.

VOA-NCNN’s mission is centered on transforming lives by instilling hope, enhancing self-worth, and fostering independence. This mission is achieved by delivering high-quality housing, employment opportunities, and supportive services that inspire self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope for thousands of vulnerable community members. As a Certified Great Place to Work, VOA-NCNN offers a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for its employees, recognizing that a successful workforce is fundamental to delivering exceptional community services.

The Head Chef position is a full-time role located at the Mather Community Campus Programs. This campus includes several key programs such as the Laverne Adolfo Transitional Housing Program for Youth (THP-Plus), Mather Transitional Housing Program for Families, DHS/OTL Family Program, Mather Emergency Shelter for Single Adults, and the Sacramento County Employment Program. This role is critical in supporting the nutritional and wellness needs of program participants by ensuring the preparation and delivery of high-quality meals in accordance with program objectives. The Head Chef will oversee meal preparation and service, maintain inventory and sanitation standards, and provide leadership and training to kitchen staff.

Full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week enjoy a generous benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, and comprehensive insurance coverage spanning health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability. This role demands a compassionate, detail-oriented individual who can operate efficiently within established organizational standards while fostering a supportive environment for clients and staff alike. Responsibilities include managing food preparation for special diet needs, utilizing professional cooking techniques, maintaining cleanliness and safety, and consistently meet the nutritional requirements of diverse populations.

As the Head Chef, you will play a pivotal role in daily program maintenance, ensuring compliance with company policies and safety standards while fostering continuous staff development through training and orientation programs. Emphasis is placed on maintaining open communication, reporting, inventory management, and resource allocation to support program success. Self-development is encouraged through ongoing learning, attendance at staff meetings, and certification completion including CPR and First Aid. This role provides a unique opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about social service to apply their skills in a meaningful context, contributing directly to the health and empowerment of underserved communities.

This position offers an annual salary range of USD $77,000 to $79,000, reflecting the importance of the role in advancing VOA-NCNN’s mission. The Head Chef must possess leadership qualities, effective communication skills, organizational capabilities, and the physical ability to manage the demands of a dynamic kitchen environment. Individuals with institutional kitchen experience and knowledge of community challenges such as homelessness and substance abuse will find this role both professionally rewarding and impactful.