Culinary Lead

Our vision is a world of peaceful relationships with food, weight, and body image, where everyone with an eating disorder can experience recovery. We believe that exceptional, individualized care leads to lasting recovery from eating disorders. That’s why our teams are comprised of compassionate, dedicated professionals from a variety of backgrounds who collaborate to provide the very best evidence-based care for our clients at all levels of care. 

Culinary Lead

The Culinary Lead steps in as shift lead in the absence of the manager, ensuring the respectful and proper execution of nutrition orders and standardized procedures. They follow the manager’s guidance, address operational and team challenges, collaborate with the nutrition team, and support clients in developing their culinary skills.

Schedule

• 1.0 FTE (40hrs/wk), working 5, 8-1/2 hr shifts with at least 1 shift being on the weekend. Shifts can include 6:00 - 2:30pm, 9:00 - 5:30pm, and 10:30 - 7:00pm.  

Compensation Disclosure

• Culinary Lead: Starting hourly range between $22.00 - $30.00

Final Compensation offered will be within pay range based on qualifications/experience met for the position

How Culinary Leads Empower Recovery

• Collaborates with the manager to ensure efficient kitchen operations, address service challenges, motivate the culinary team, and maintain clear communication on personnel and performance matters.
• Acts as Person in Charge (PIC) in the manager's absence, overseeing food production, service, and adherence to standards while addressing staff and client inquiries or issues.
• Maintains professional boundaries with clients and their community of supports (e.g., parents), and reinforces HIPAA compliance for all culinary staff.
• Provides culinary service coverage as needed.
• Works with the Dietetic Technician and Registered Dietitian to ensure food production aligns with nutrition orders.  
• Collaborates with the Nutrition and Culinary Manager (or delegate) for necessary menu adaptions.  
• Facilitates/Co-facilitates culinary skills groups for clients (at applicable sites), utilizing a standardized curriculum.
• Conduct inventory, ordering, and/or receiving of order as directed.
• Attends regularly scheduled meetings as assigned.
• Completes required Learning and Development assignments and policy reviews within set timeframes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Competencies:
  • Thorough knowledge of foodborne illness prevention, food storage, handling practices, and HACCP principles.
  • Knowledge of different cooking methods, equipment, and basic culinary techniques.
  • Demonstrates punctuality, consistency, and reliability in all tasks.
  • Familiar with dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan) and able to suggest recipe modifications.
  • Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion; sensitive to underserved and at-risk populations.
  • Exhibits clear, respectful, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Open to feedback and skilled in providing constructive feedback.
  • Flexible team player, willing to step into any culinary role as needed.
  • Exceptionally organized, able to follow and provide clear directions.
  • Maintains clear boundaries and is proficient with technology.
  • Motivational leadership skills that inspire adherence to policies, procedures, growth and development.
• Educational Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate's degree in culinary arts or equivalent preferred. 
• Professional Qualifications:
  • 2 years of cooking experience in a medium-volume kitchen required, with 2 years of healthcare setting experience preferred. 
  • 1 year of supervisory experience or equivalent preferred. 
• Other Qualifications:
  • Employees at Residential must have a valid driver’s license and be authorized to drive.   
  • Employees at Residential are required to have a current Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.    
  • Employees at Residential sites are required to have a current First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.    
  • Valid driver’s license and authorization to drive required.
  • ServSafe Manager certification required within 30 days of hire (if not already active).  
  • Washington state food worker/handler card 

What we offer: 

Employee Benefits: We understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits package. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a range of plans to meet your needs.  

For full-time employees, we offer: 

• HSA and PPO insurance with HSA or FSA options (Blue Cross Blue Shield) 
• Dental insurance (Delta Dental)
• Vision insurance (EyeMed) 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance 
• Company-paid life insurance 
• 401(k) plan available two months after start date
• Company 401(k) matching for up to 50% of your contribution, up to 6% of your compensation 

Paid time off is a crucial part of maintaining work and life balance. Our generous PTO plan accrues annually and begins with your first whole pay period. Eligible employees enjoy seven paid holidays and one floating holiday in addition to their regular PTO.