Part Time Adolescent Facility Kitchen Staff

The Kitchen Staff/Cook is responsible for the preparation, service, and sanitation of meals for residents and staff within the facility. Under the supervision of the Kitchen Director, the Kitchen Staff/Cook ensures that all food service operations comply with health, safety, and nutritional standards while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. This role supports the facility’s commitment to resident well-being by providing nutritious, properly prepared meals and maintaining awareness of trauma-informed care principles within a behavioral health setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare food and beverage items according to standardized recipes and established food preparation procedures.
• Ensure meals meet all mandated nutritional guidelines, portion requirements, and projected meal counts.
• Evaluate prepared food for flavor, appearance, and temperature to provide meals acceptable to residents and staff.
• Serve meals in a timely and professional manner consistent with facility schedules.

Sanitation and Safety

• Clean and sanitize utensils, equipment, storage areas, and food preparation surfaces to maintain required sanitary conditions.
• Monitor the kitchen for compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety standards.
• Report any sanitation, safety, or compliance deficiencies immediately to the Kitchen Director.

Inventory and Supplies

• Inspect food items and supplies to verify quality, quantity, freshness, and adherence to purchase specifications.
• Receive food and supply deliveries, verify accuracy, and properly stock shelves and storage areas.
• Report needed supplies, damaged items, or equipment issues promptly to the supervisor.

Compliance and Training

• Complete all required training, including Safe Crisis Management (SCM) theory, de-escalation, and standing components.
• Follow facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to food service operations.

Trauma-Informed Awareness and Reporting

• Maintain awareness of trauma-informed care principles while working in a residential behavioral health environment.
• If concerning resident behaviors are observed within the kitchen or dining areas, report observations directly to the LMHT in accordance with facility policy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional conduct and cooperative working relationships with residents, staff, and supervisors.
• Attend required staff meetings and annual training courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Director or facility leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required

Experience

• Experience in meal preparation or food service preferred

Key Competencies

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific visual abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Professional and Interpersonal Skills

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely and effective manner.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills by communicating clearly and effectively with internal and external customers.
• Writes clearly, accurately, and informatively as required for the position.
• Treats all internal and external customers with respect.
• Works ethically and with integrity, upholding facility values in demeanor and behavior.
• Attends all required annual training courses to maintain competency and compliance.

Employees Supervised: None
Supervised By: Kitchen Director

Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $16