Chef

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC•Fair Oaks, CA

6h•$25 - $27

About The Position

Akua Behavioral Health is seeking a Chef to plan and prepare meals for clients in a residential behavioral healthcare environment. The Chef will be responsible for menu planning, ordering supplies, managing inventory, and ensuring kitchen cleanliness and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Requirements

Valid Food Handler’s Certification
Current CPR and First Aid Certification
Recent TB Test Screening
Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
Valid CA Driver’s License
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen setting (prep chef, line cook, catering, or personal/private chef)

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development
Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescatarian
Gluten-free
Low sodium
Diabetic-friendly meals
Familiarity with kitchen operations in residential healthcare or similar environments
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and effective communication
High level of reliability, with a strong commitment to weekend availability (mandatory)
Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and manage a fast-paced kitchen environment

Responsibilities

Plan and submit weekly lunch and dinner menus (covering all 7 days) for approval by the Culinary Director, ensuring variety, nutrition, and program alignment.
Maintain strict adherence to a per-client food budget while placing orders and managing food costs.
Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary programs.
Oversee and execute weekend meal preparations, including clear re-heating instructions to ensure meal quality and consistency.
Submit accurate and timely expense reports through the Brex platform for all food and kitchen-related purchases.
Complete and maintain daily temperature logs for all refrigeration and freezer units, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
Coordinate and deliver meals for satellite programs as needed, ensuring timely service and adherence to quality standards.
Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral healthcare environment.
Order all necessary food and kitchen supplies from approved vendors in alignment with the approved menu and budget constraints.
Set up and serve meals during lunch and dinner service, ensuring proper food handling, temperature control, and client satisfaction.
Manage food and supply inventory with a focus on rotation, labeling, proper storage, and minimizing waste.
Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and in compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
Safely deliver meals using a company vehicle when required, maintaining food integrity during transport.