Chef/Cook

Make meals that heal. Evolve Treatment Centers is hiring a Residential Chef (Cook) for our 6-bed adolescent residential treatment homes in Walnut Creek/Lafayette. This is more than a culinary job — it’s a chance to use your passion for food to support teens on their healing journey.

Pay

$32–$35/hour (Walnut Creek/Lafayette: $33-$35/hour)

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 10am–6:30pm (no weekends or late nights)

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Supportive, mission-driven culture with a small team
• Beautiful residential home setting with a welcoming kitchen
• Meaningful impact: every meal supports a teen’s recovery and well-being

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, balanced meals for clients and on-site staff
• Plate and serve lunch and dinner for clients Monday through Friday; ensure enough food is prepared for staff (including Overnight Residential Counselors) and second servings for clients
• Prepare fresh, reheatable lunches and dinners for clients and staff on weekends
• Ensure continental breakfast items are available for clients to self-serve 7 days per week
• Prepare homemade AM and PM snacks for clients daily, Monday through Friday
• Ensure all meals are balanced, appropriately portioned, and include a protein, carb, and fruit or vegetable
• Follow Evolve Menu Nutrition Standards and accommodate dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, etc.)
• Post menus weekly and review with clients individually to determine opt-outs
• Meet with clients after admissions to review preferences, dietary needs, and restrictions
• Maintain food inventory and shop 1-2 times weekly to keep the kitchen stocked
• Ensure the client refrigerator is stocked with whole fruit, string cheese, and yogurt
• Purchase food within the provided monthly budget, adjusting based on census
• Submit receipts at the beginning of each month for the previous month
• Monitor kitchen equipment and alert Facility Nurse to needed repairs or replacements
• Properly store, handle, and prepare all food per licensing and accreditation standards
• Label and dispose of food per licensing and accreditation standards
• Maintain refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher temperature logs per licensing and accreditation standards
• Keep the kitchen neat and clean
• Lock kitchen sharps (knives, cheese graters, peelers, etc.) in the sharps box when not in use; complete the sharps sign-out log as needed
• Provide meals and snacks for other regional programs if a Chef is out
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Director

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Experience in food service and preparation
• Current certification or licensure for operating a kitchen (ServSafe, Food Handlers Card)
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must pass a LiveScan background check and clear federal, state criminal background checks, and child abuse indexes
• Willingness to interact with COVID-positive clients, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with teens in a behavioral health setting, school/college, or healthcare
• A desire to combine culinary skills with a greater purpose