The Chef is responsible for the nutritional needs of clients.  As an integral member of the Ridge Maine team, qualified candidates are highly organized, collaborative individuals who are motivated to have a positive impact in the lives of teenagers. As a Chef, core responsibilities include: all aspects of providing for the nutritional needs of clients, cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen space, building rapport with clients within appropriate professional boundaries, creating opportunities for clients to rediscover values and develop life skills, and working collaboratively with the Ridge Maine team to meet client and programming needs.  

Head Chef Position Functions & Responsibilities:  

• Meal planning and preparation
• Menu planning and purchasing in coordination with the Food Services Manager
• Procurement of food and supplies according to company policy, within budgetary requirements, and prior approval 
• Organizing of receipts and timely reporting DIVVY card usage, per company policy 
• Meeting special dietary needs 
• Maintain standards for food storage, rotation, quality, and appearance 
• Kitchen cleaning and sanitation, including washing dishes, routinely sweeping, mopping, and ensuring surfaces and appliances are cleaned and sanitized 
• Ensure compliance with health codes and regulations 
• Ensure that all knives, sharps, glass items, etc. are securely locked and not accessible to clients 
• Works collaborative and in cooperation with the  multidisciplinary team 

Client Engagement and Supervision Responsibilities: 

• Actively participates in training, supervision, and professional development. 
• Maintain program expectations and encourage healthy growth in our clients. 
• Engage with interested clients by teaching/role modeling culinary tasks 
• Engages clients in menu planning  
• Maintain 100% supervision at all times when working with clients are in the kitchen area 
• Respond to program, behavioral, and medical needs in accordance with Ridge Maine policies and procedures. 
• Maintain and role model professional boundaries. 
• Demonstrate and role model healthy relationships. 
• Address behaviors in a trauma informed approach and report concerns the manager or lead in charge of the day. 

Schedule:

Four 10-hour days, including at least 1 weekend day. 

 Required/Preferred Qualifications: 

• Must be able to pass extensive background checks, including fingerprinting 
• High School Diploma/GED required 
• Experience as a chef in a residential or school setting preferred 
• Experience with behavior and group management a plus 
• College degree in related fields a plus 
• Current CPR/First-Aid and ServSafe required.  
• BHP Certifications a plus