Head Cook/Kitchen Manager

Description

About Us:

Rimrock Trails was founded three decades ago with the mission of improving the lives of individuals, youth, and families struggling with mental health and substance use problems. We create a foundation for healing, strengthening family connections, and offering hope for a brighter future. Our mission is to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health or substance use by providing timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare. We operate a 24-bed dual diagnosis (mental health and substance use disorder) rehabilitation facility for teens aged 12-17.

About the Role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Kitchen Manager to join our residential treatment team. This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the residential kitchen and all food services, ensuring meals are nutritious, safe, and compliant with all applicable regulations. The Kitchen Manager works collaboratively and respectfully with staff, clients, vendors, and leadership to support a healthy and therapeutic residential environment.

If you are passionate about supporting youth in recovery and bring strong organizational and leadership skills, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, supervise, prepare, and serve daily meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for 15-30 people.
• Manage and monitor kitchen inventory and order food according to menu plans.
• Ensure proper food storage, rotation, and sanitation practices are followed.
• Train staff on kitchen policies, procedures, and safe food handling.
• Maintain required documentation, meal records, temperature logs, and inventory records in compliance with regulations.
• Monitor food quality, kitchen efficiency, and minimize food waste.
• Clean and maintain kitchen and dining areas to professional standards.
• Collaborate with staff, students, vendors, parents/guardians, and community partners.
• Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to kitchen policies and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.
• Manage kitchen operations in a fiscally responsible manner, including budget oversight and cost containment.

· What We Offer:
• Paid training and professional certification
• Meals provided while on shift
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 401k with match
• 10 annual paid holidays, including your birthday
• Vacation – PTO accrual
• Paid wellness days

· Opportunity to develop your own menu and run your own kitchen!

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements

Rimrock Trails seeks candidates with three (3) to five (5) years of experience in commercial and/or institutional food service, including experience in menu planning, food safety, inventory management, and kitchen operations.

In addition, this position must meet National School Lunch Program (NSLP) hiring standards.
To comply with NSLP requirements, candidates must meet one (1) of the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience with an academic major in a related field¹; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and a State-recognized certification for school nutrition directors; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and at least one (1) year of relevant food service experience; OR
• Associate’s degree or equivalent educational experience with an academic major in a related field¹ and at least one (1) year of relevant food service experience; OR
• High school diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of relevant food service experience.

¹ Related majors include food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field. Equivalent educational experience may be accepted; consult the State agency for guidance.

•   Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Skills and Abilities
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to perform all duties in alignment with Rimrock Trails’ Mission and Core Values.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to a drug-free workplace.

Technical Skills
• Working knowledge of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements (can train)
• Ability to operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
• Proficiency with computer systems, inventory tracking, and documentation.

Work Environment:

Position works in a residential treatment setting serving youth and may involve prolonged standing, lifting supplies, and maintaining safety and sanitation standards.