Sous Chef

Velocity Health Group (VHG) is an innovative start-up talent development organization based in Springfield, Missouri, dedicated to revolutionizing behavioral health treatment for adolescents through an accelerated residential treatment program. This pioneering organization focuses on deeply investing in its employees to provide world-class care to its patients. By fostering a culture of growth and excellence, VHG offers an unparalleled workplace environment that supports personal, professional, and financial development for its staff members. The organization is driven by its mission to radically improve behavioral health outcomes by placing well-trained, valued, and inspired individuals at the center of care. Its vision is to set a new national standard for behavioral healthcare through dedicated treatment, training, and trust, anchored by the first behavioral health teaching hospital of its kind.

The Sous Chef role at VHG is based in the heart of Springfield, Missouri, where the culinary team operates under the philosophy of Cafe Omotenashi, a Japanese concept embodying selfless, wholehearted hospitality and meticulous service. This role offers a unique opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about service excellence and aspire to create a welcoming dining experience through detailed attention and genuine care. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet strict dietary and safety guidelines while supporting the therapeutic goals of the adolescent patients.

The Sous Chef is instrumental in maintaining the Cafe Omotenashi’s standards by applying performance optimization practices, performance psychology, and collaborative communication with all stakeholders including clinicians, instructors, parents, and staff. The position emphasizes the cultivation of a positive and supportive kitchen environment aligned with trauma-informed care principles and Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) licensing regulations. The successful candidate will help ensure every meal served is not only nutritious but also visually appealing and tailored to accommodate special dietary needs including allergies, religious restrictions, and medical diets.

This full-time, non-exempt position requires a dedicated and organized individual capable of working in a high-performance but low-ego environment. Physical capability is essential, as the role requires lifting up to 50 pounds and standing for extended periods. The work environment involves exposure to heat, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen noise which demands resilience and adaptability. The Sous Chef will also have responsibilities for maintaining kitchen cleanliness, food safety protocols, proper food storage, inventory management, and health inspections compliance.

In this role, the Sous Chef contributes significantly to a nurturing dining experience that supports the broader mission of improving adolescent behavioral health outcomes. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a unique application packet including a 1-2 minute video cover letter, a detailed resume, and a future-focused resume outlining five key professional goals for the next five years, emphasizing a strong connection to the core attributes of curiosity, authenticity, resilience, and drive.