Mather Community Campus - Head Chef

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA-NCNN) is a distinguished nonprofit organization with a profound mission to serve those in need and help them rebuild their lives. Established in 1911, VOA-NCNN has grown into one of the region's largest providers of social services, employing nearly 500 professional staff members dedicated to facilitating self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope. VOA-NCNN operates over 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse recovery, and supportive services tailored to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. Notably, the organization offers shelter or housing to more than 4,000 men, women, and children each night, illustrating its significant impact in the community. As a ministry of service, VOA-NCNN goes beyond traditional nonprofit work by fostering transformative, sustainable change and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable populations across Northern California and Northern Nevada.

The Head Chef position at VOA-NCNN is a full-time opportunity based at their Mather Community Campus Programs. The campus encompasses several key services including the Laverne Adolfo Transitional Housing Program for Youth, Mather Transitional Housing Program for Families, DHS/OTL Family Program, Mather Emergency Shelter for Single Adults, and the Sacramento County Employment Program. This role combines culinary expertise with leadership in a socially conscious environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving meals in a compassionate and professional manner that aligns with the organization’s mission and program objectives. The Head Chef will also oversee food inventory, kitchen equipment, cleanliness, and sanitation, in addition to training and supervising kitchen staff. Employees working 30 or more hours weekly are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. This position offers an annual salary range of USD 77,000 to USD 79,000.

The Head Chef must skillfully balance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness with a compassionate approach to client service. The role demands technical expertise in institutional kitchen operations such as meal preparation for special diets, food safety, equipment management, and adherence to standards related to hygiene and sanitation. Leadership responsibilities extend to orienting and training new staff, ensuring adherence to staffing schedules, and promoting a safe work environment through knowledge of fire, safety, and health regulations. Moreover, the Head Chef plays a vital role in documenting and reporting operational data, addressing workflow challenges, maintaining inventory, and collaborating with service providers. This multifaceted role requires continuous professional development and compliance with required certifications such as CPR and First Aid. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication, decision-making, and organizational skills alongside a sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by the populations VOA-NCNN serves, including the homeless, those with substance abuse histories, youth, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.