Chef

Growth Centers of America

Position Overview

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations and preparing nutritious appealing meals for adolescents within our residential treatment program. This role supports a positive and structured environment through food preparation menu planning kitchen organization and consistent meal service.

What Youll Do

Kitchen Operations & Meal Preparation

• Prepare and cook daily meals and snacks for adolescent residents
• Develop rotating menus that are balanced nutritious and appealing to teens ages 1217
• Prepare a variety of foods including grilled baked sautéed fried and cold dishes
• Follow and create recipes while introducing creative meal ideas and specials
• Coordinate kitchen responsibilities and maintain efficient daily operations
• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to scheduling requirements

Food Safety & Organization

• Maintain a clean organized and sanitary kitchen environment
• Properly store label rotate and monitor food inventory
• Ensure compliance with health sanitation and food handling regulations
• Keep cooking stations cleaned stocked and organized throughout shifts
• Safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment and tools

Client Environment & Team Support

• Contribute positively to the therapeutic environment through professionalism and consistency
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism while interacting with adolescent clients
• Work collaboratively with program staff and leadership
• Support a welcoming and structured dining experience for clients
• Maintain flexibility and composure in a fast-paced residential setting

Who You Are

You are passionate about cooking and understand the impact that quality meals and consistency can have in a therapeutic environment. You are dependable organized and thrive in environments where teamwork structure and adaptability are essential.

You are someone who:

• Takes pride in preparing high-quality meals and maintaining kitchen standards
• Demonstrates strong organization cleanliness and time management skills
• Remains calm and professional in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
• Enjoys creating meals that are both nutritious and engaging for teens
• Works collaboratively and contributes positively to team culture
• Understands the importance of professionalism and consistency in a residential treatment setting

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience working in kitchen restaurant food service or residential settings
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment food preparation techniques sanitation and food safety standards
• Ability to lift heavy pots food containers and kitchen equipment
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree culinary degree or culinary certification preferred
• Experience in residential treatment behavioral health school or healthcare settings
• Experience preparing meals for large groups or institutional settings
• Creative culinary skills and menu planning experience
  

Why Join Growth Centers of America

At Growth Centers of America youll join a mission-driven team dedicated to creating meaningful change in the lives of adolescents and families. We value compassion collaboration accountability and personal growth both for the clients we serve and the professionals who serve them.

This is more than a culinary role it is an opportunity to create comfort consistency and positive daily experiences for adolescents during important moments in their lives.

Required Experience:

Manager