FOOD SERVICES PLANNER & COOK

Buckelew Programs is the leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay, dedicated to serving those who may not have access otherwise.  Join our team and contribute to making a real impact!

We are hiring a Food Services Planner/Cook for the Orenda Center, a 20-bed residential and detox program in Sonoma County that joined Buckelew in 2024. In this role you will support the program by providing expertise in food preparation and nutrition, providing a supply of weekly nutritious meals, developing balanced weekly menus, ordering and receiving food and beverages, and insuring food safety protocols are developed for the program.  This is an onsite, part-time position, working Saturday and Sunday, 7 am - 3 pm. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Plan daily and weekly nutritionally balanced menus. 
• Order food, schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents in order to verify product quality and quantity.   
• Establish procedures for food storage, rotation and labeling insuring cleanliness, hygiene, safety and reducing waste. 
• Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and presentation of food in order to ensure that food is prepared in accordance with food safety guidelines as well as presented in an esthetically pleasing and delicious manner. Teach staff and clients about appropriate food handling, portions, and nutritional value. 
• Maintain prep areas and kitchen equipment in a clean, sanitary and safe manner by performing regular cleaning, sanitation and maintenance of all kitchen equipment, surfaces and appliances. 
• Monitor food budgets and stay within budgeted amounts. 
• Prepare dishes using established cooking skills utilizing healthy ingredients, to create healthy, tasty and nutritional meals.  Adjust offerings for dietary restrictions of clients as necessary. 
• Understands and complies with food safety and temperature standards. 
• Prepares seven main dishes for dinners and three to four simple lunches per week. 
• Assist clients in meal preparation through hands-on learning. 
• Remain aware of agency protocols, and act as positive role model, ensuring agency diplomacy in a welcoming and empathic manner. 
• Work side by side with other program staff to get lunches and snacks out to clients. 
• To answer program phone and relay calls and messages to appropriate staff as necessary. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:

Our idea candidate will have a High school education at minimum but an education in nutrition, culinary arts, menu planning, food sanitation or a related field is preferred.  

Experience:  

• An understanding of healthy nutrition, portion sizes, providing an array of dishes to be used for dinners that include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. 
• At least two years' relevant experience working as a cook in a residential setting, school or in a catering environment.  Experience in planning and preparation of food for group homes or licensed facilities up to 15 clients or in a school environment providing experience in preparing nutritionally balanced meals/dishes for large groups 
• Experience teaching independent living skills in cooking, meal planning and preparation.  
• Experience in working within all the rules, regulations, and policies that govern agency compliance. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as with a team. 
• An understanding of healthy nutrition, portion size, providing an array of dishes to be used for dinners that include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.  The ability to tailor menu choices for specific dietary needs. 
• Working expertise with Microsoft Word at a beginning level.  Basic internet skills including the use of online shopping. 
• Keyboarding skills at 45 WPM or greater, with accuracy. 
• Highly organized and able to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities. 
• Reliable, excellent attention to detail and accuracy.  Must be able to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to relate well with others, to balance many tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, to be empathic, warm, welcoming, firm, and supportive with clients.  
• Able to work well under pressure, with good judgment and decision-making abilities. 
• Working understanding of highly confidential environments and ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to organize ideas and establish and maintain working relationships based upon mutual trust and respect and be a team player. 

Physical Requirements: Requires regular lifting (up to 25 pounds); standing, walking, reaching, talking and hearing for the majority of a shift.  All work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.  Ability to maintain composure and work quality in an open kitchen environment; some interruptions are present; occasion local travel; involves frequent exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.  Able to handle objects with both hands and fine motor skills for a shift.  Occasionally operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.  Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically; possess visual acuity to use sharp knives and other kitchen equipment safely.  Hearing requirements: Ability to hear information in person and by telephone. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Salary : $24