FOOD SERVICES PLANNER AND COOK

Work with great people doing great things! Join Buckelew Programs and play a pivotal role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in the North Bay. 

 

We are hiring a Food Services Planner/Cook to join Buckelew Programs' new Rising Recovery Center, a new short-term residential treatment center providing support to individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. In this role, you will work in a welcoming, open kitchen environment, engaging with clients while planning and preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals that align with program goals and individual dietary needs. Key responsibilities include menu planning, food purchasing, safe food handling, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, and managing food service within budget guidelines. You will ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and actively involve clients in meal preparation to support the development of essential life skills.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Plan and develop weekly menus that are nutritionally balanced and accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, low-sodium, diabetic-friendly)
• Order food and beverages, schedule and receive deliveries, and verify product quality and quantity upon arrival
• Maintain proper food storage, rotation, and labeling practices to ensure hygiene, minimize waste, and meet safety standards
• Monitor food preparation, portion sizes, and food presentation to ensure meals are safe, appealing, and nutritious
• Teach clients and staff proper food handling, nutrition, and portion control
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and ensure all equipment, appliances, and surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized
• Monitor and maintain food inventory within budgetary guidelines
• Prepare daily meals including:
  • Seven (7) hot dinners per week
  • Three to four (3–4) simple lunches per week
• Adjust meals to meet individual dietary needs as appropriate
• Comply with all food safety, hygiene, and temperature standards
• Involve clients in meal preparation through hands-on guidance and skills teaching
• Support a welcoming and respectful environment for clients and staff
• Assist program staff in preparing and distributing snacks and lunches to client
• Answer program phone and relay calls or messages as needed

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Coursework or training in culinary arts, nutrition, menu planning, or food sanitation preferred

 

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience cooking in a residential, school, group home, or catering environment
• Experience planning and preparing balanced meals for groups of 10–15 people
• Experience with vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu planning
• Experience teaching independent living or cooking skills preferred
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance preferred

 

Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of healthy nutrition, meal planning, and portion control
• Ability to modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g., allergies, diabetes, vegetarian)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Proficient in basic computer use, including Microsoft Word and online ordering
• Typing speed of at least 45 WPM with accuracy
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to be warm, welcoming, firm, and supportive with clients
• Sound judgment, patience, and composure under pressure
• Ability to build and maintain professional, respectful working relationships

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, talk, and hear throughout the shift
• Frequently lifts up to 25 pounds
• Requires fine motor skills and the use of both hands for cooking and kitchen tasks
• Vision requirements: ability to safely use sharp knives, kitchen tools, and read printed/electronic information
• Hearing requirements: ability to hear verbal communication in person and by phone
• Works primarily in an indoor kitchen environment with occasional local travel
• Must be able to work efficiently despite interruptions or distractions in a shared workspace
• Occasionally uses office equipment (e.g., computer, printer, calculator)

 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.