Culinary Director

Ascension Recovery Services•Morgantown, WV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join a team that’s changing lives. At Wise Path Recovery Centers , in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, we provide integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment through evidence-based, high-quality clinical care. We believe recovery is possible — and that healing happens in every detail of the environment, including the meals we serve. Food is not just nutrition in our program. It is connection, comfort, culture, and care. We are seeking a mission-driven Dining Manager to lead and build our culinary program at our Morgantown, West Virginia residential recovery center. Position Overview The Kitchen Manager / Culinary Director is responsible for full oversight and startup of food service operations within a residential behavioral health setting. This leader will design systems, establish vendor relationships, create therapeutic and culturally responsive menus, hire and develop kitchen staff, and ensure regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for a hands-on operational leader who understands that meals are part of the healing process and who can balance structure, compliance, and excellence with compassion and mission alignment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Minimum 5 years of food service experience
Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Nice To Haves

Certificate or degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field
Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or institutional food service settings
Key Competencies Operational leadership and team management
Menu planning and budget stewardship
Knowledge of state and federal food safety regulations
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
Cultural awareness and trauma-informed approach
Ability to lead during startup and growth phases

Responsibilities

Kitchen Startup & Operations Lead full kitchen setup including equipment procurement, organization, workflow development, and systems implementation
Develop weekly and monthly menus in collaboration with a Registered Dietitian (as required)
Ensure compliance with West Virginia food safety regulations and Joint Commission standards
Establish and manage vendor relationships within approved budget parameters
Implement allergy protocols and culturally responsive meal options
Monitor inventory levels and reduce food waste through strategic purchasing and planning
Leadership & Team Development Recruit, hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff
Develop staffing schedules to ensure full coverage for all meal periods
Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork
Model Wise Path’s core values of Kindness, Teamwork, Empathy, Integrity, Excellence, and Mission-Driven service
Compliance & Quality Assurance Maintain temperature logs, sanitation schedules, and inspection readiness
Ensure kitchen and dining areas consistently meet cleanliness and safety standards
Lead all food service audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
Maintain accurate documentation and reporting
Client-Centered Services Collaborate with clinical and medical teams to support therapeutic dietary needs
Support nutrition education initiatives when appropriate
Proactively respond to client and staff feedback to enhance service quality