Facility Chef

ALTER MANAGEMENT•Dana Point, CA

6d•$30 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

Nourish Healing & Community: Join Alter Behavioral Health as a Chef At Alter Behavioral Health, we believe healing happens in every detail — including the meals we serve. As a mission-driven mental health treatment provider, we’re committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that supports the whole person. Nutrition, routine, and community are vital parts of that journey. We’re seeking a Chef to support our residential treatment facilities by leading kitchen operations, preparing nutritious meals, and creating a safe, compliant, and welcoming dining experience for our clients and staff. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their craft, values structure and cleanliness, and finds purpose in serving others. Why You’ll Love This Role Purpose-Driven Work → Play a direct role in supporting mental health recovery by providing nourishing, thoughtfully prepared meals in a therapeutic environment. Consistency & Stability → Full-time, weekday schedule with predictable hours. Creative Impact → Participate in menu planning and teach a weekly hands-on cooking class that engages and empowers clients. Supportive Environment → Work alongside facility leadership in a structured, compliant, and team-oriented setting. Competitive Pay & Benefits → $30–32/hour DOE Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with match Life insurance Paid time off Schedule & Location → Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m Dana Point, CA What You’ll Do Kitchen & Culinary Operations → Prepare daily meals according to approved menus, portion control standards, and dietary needs. Develop menus, forecast supply needs, order food, and manage kitchen costs within budget. Ensure all food preparation meets program requirements and health regulations. Maintain a clean, sanitary, and fully compliant kitchen environment at all times. Monitor kitchen safety and promptly report hazards or maintenance needs. Client Engagement & Program Support → Teach a weekly hands-on cooking class to clients as part of the therapeutic program. Maintain professional boundaries and support appropriate client and staff behavior in alignment with company policies. Safely interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms or emotional distress. Administrative & Operational Support → Order weekly household groceries for the facility. Attend staff and management meetings as required. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information. Support audits, inspections, and continuous quality improvement efforts. Perform other duties as assigned to support facility operations. Who You Are A reliable, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in cleanliness, consistency, and food quality. Comfortable working independently while collaborating with facility leadership. Organized, safety-conscious, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a structured environment. Passionate about using food as a way to support wellness and recovery. Calm, respectful, and professional when working in a residential mental health setting.

Requirements

At least 2 years of cooking experience in a residential or private setting
Ability to operate confidently within a psychiatric treatment environment, maintaining a calm, safety-first approach for clients and staff.
Culinary background with knowledge of diverse food preparation.
Valid Food Handler’s Certification.
CPR & First Aid Certification (required).
Valid California Driver’s License with clean driving record.
Must pass a Livescan criminal background check per licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

Prepare daily meals according to approved menus, portion control standards, and dietary needs.
Develop menus, forecast supply needs, order food, and manage kitchen costs within budget.
Ensure all food preparation meets program requirements and health regulations.
Maintain a clean, sanitary, and fully compliant kitchen environment at all times.
Monitor kitchen safety and promptly report hazards or maintenance needs.
Teach a weekly hands-on cooking class to clients as part of the therapeutic program.
Maintain professional boundaries and support appropriate client and staff behavior in alignment with company policies.
Safely interact with clients experiencing psychiatric symptoms or emotional distress.
Order weekly household groceries for the facility.
Attend staff and management meetings as required.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information.
Support audits, inspections, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Perform other duties as assigned to support facility operations.