Chef

Synergy; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy in West Chester, PA seeks a Culinary Director/Chef to design, lead, and execute the meals program for the Men’s Flagship Program. You will integrate nutrition and recovery into daily life, balance kitchen operations, and mentor residents in a therapeutic setting.

This full-time, salaried role combines hands-on cooking with leadership—managing a small team, coordinating with clinical staff, and ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and engagement in a residential environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional culinary experience with leadership roles.
• Background in nutrition or wellness for behavioral health is strongly preferred.
• Current ServSafe certification required (or equivalent).
• Ability to manage budgets, inventories, and staff scheduling.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for residents in the Men’s Flagship Program, with balanced dietary plans.
• Develop rotating weekly menus with the Program Director and Clinical Team.
• Source ingredients cost-effectively while maintaining quality.
• Create seasonal and themed menus for events and community dinners.
• Educate residents on meal prep, budgeting, and healthy eating habits.
• Lead a small culinary team and coordinate with operations for kitchen safety and maintenance.
• Oversee inventory management and food cost tracking within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

Budgeting

Staff management

Communication

Flexibility

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Position Title: Culinary Director / Chef

Reports To: Program Director – Men’s Flagship Program

Location: Wentworth House (Men’s Flagship), Synergy Houses – West Chester, PA

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Overview

The Culinary Director / Chef is responsible for designing, leading, and executing the culinary experience for the Men’s Flagship Program at Synergy Houses. This role integrates nutrition, recovery, and community into daily life by creating balanced, appealing, and structured meals that align with Synergy’s core values of Recovery, Structure, and Community.

The Culinary Director ensures that all food service operations maintain the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, and client engagement. This role is both hands‑on and leadership‑oriented—combining menu creation, food preparation, staff coordination, and client mentorship in a therapeutic residential environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Culinary Operations & Menu Development

• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for all residents in the Men’s Flagship Program, ensuring variety and balance across all dietary needs.
• Develop rotating weekly menus in collaboration with the Program Director and Clinical Team to align with wellness and recovery objectives.
• Source ingredients cost‑effectively while maintaining quality and freshness standards.
• Create seasonal and themed menus for special events, holidays, and community dinners.

Nutrition & Recovery Integration

• Educate residents informally and through structured programming on meal preparation, grocery budgeting, and healthy eating habits.
• Incorporate recovery‑based themes into culinary experiences (e.g., mindfulness in the kitchen, building structure through routine, shared meals as community connection).
• Support the treatment team in nutritional planning for individual clients as appropriate.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead a small culinary support team (including resident kitchen aides or interns) with clear roles, schedules, and training expectations.
• Coordinate with property management and operations for kitchen maintenance, equipment repair, and safety compliance.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering systems, and food cost tracking within approved budget parameters.

Safety, Compliance, and Cleanliness

• Maintain full adherence to local health codes and Synergy’s internal food safety protocols.
• Conduct weekly kitchen inspections to ensure sanitation, proper labeling, and storage.
• Implement and document food handling and allergy protocols in coordination with the clinical and medical teams.

Client Engagement & Community Integration

• Host weekly communal dinners or cooking activities designed to foster peer connection and community values.
• Model professionalism, emotional regulation, and hospitality consistent with Synergy culture.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and collaborate with clinical staff to ensure culinary operations support the overall therapeutic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional culinary experience, ideally including leadership or executive chef roles.
• Background in nutrition, wellness, or experience cooking for behavioral health, treatment, or residential settings strongly preferred.
• Current ServSafe or equivalent certification required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, inventories, and team scheduling.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong alignment with Synergy’s mission and a desire to work in a recovery‑centered, growth‑oriented environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for community events.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Mentorship: Leads by example, teaching structure and responsibility through the culinary environment.
• Creativity: Designs menus that balance nutrition, engagement, and variety.
• Professionalism: Maintains a clean, calm, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with clinical, operations, and program leadership.
• Cultural Fit: Embodies Synergy’s spirit of recovery, accountability, and community.