Chef/Cook

Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Weekday schedule (Mon-Fri)

No weekends

Supportive culture

Residential kitchen setting

Job summary

Evolve Treatment Centers is hiring a Chef (Cook) to prepare meals at 2 of our 6-bed adolescent residential treatment homes in La Mesa, CA. This is more than a culinary job — it’s a chance to use your passion for food to support teens on their healing journey.

Join a small, mission-driven team with a consistent Monday–Friday schedule from 10am to 6:30pm, no weekends or late nights, and competitive pay of $31–$33 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook in residential, school, health care, or similar settings.
• ServSafe (or equivalent) certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong organization, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and work collaboratively.
• Passion for using food to build connection and care.

Responsibilities

• Grocery shop for the week and create weekly menus to be approved.
• Put together healthy, nutritious, teen-friendly meals for 6 adolescent clients in residential treatment.
• Prepare, plate, and serve morning and afternoon snacks, lunch, and dinner Monday – Friday.
• Meal prep for the weekends.
• Meet with clients upon admission to learn about client allergies, food restrictions, or preferences.
• Meet with clients weekly to review weekly menu.
• Ensure kitchen is in compliance with accreditation, licensing, and program standards.
• Manage a monthly budget for all food and culinary expenses.

Skills

Chef experience

ServSafe

Organization

Communication

Tools

Certification management

Job description

Make meals that heal. Evolve Treatment Centers is hiring a Chef (Cook) to prepare meals at 2 of our 6-bed adolescent residential treatment home in La Mesa, CA. This is more than a culinary job — it’s a chance to use your passion for food to support teens on their healing journey.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive pay: $31–$33/hour
• Consistent schedule: Monday–Friday 10am - 6:30pm, no weekends or late nights
• Supportive culture: Small team, mission-driven work
• Beautiful workplace: Residential home setting with a welcoming kitchen
• Meaningful impact: Every meal supports a teen’s recovery and well-being

What You’ll Do

• Grocery shop for the week and create weekly menus to be approved
• Put together healthy, nutritious, teen-friendly meals for 6 adolescent clients in residential treatment
• Prepare, plate, and serve morning and afternoon snacks, lunch, and dinner Monday – Friday
• Meal prep for the weekends
• Meet with clients upon admission to learn about client allergies, food restrictions, or preferences
• Meet with clients once weekly to review weekly menu
• Ensure kitchen is in compliance with accreditation, licensing, and program standards
• Manage a monthly budget for all food and culinary expenses

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a chef or cook in residential, school, health care, or similar settings
• ServSafe (or equivalent) certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong organization, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and work collaboratively
• Passion for using food to build connection and care

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience working with teens or behavioral health settings
• A desire to combine culinary skills with a greater purpose

Bring your passion for food and care to a team making a difference. Join us at Evolve and help teens heal — one meal at a time.

For information on Evolve's privacy practices, see the Evolve California Personnel Privacy Notice located at https://evolvetreatment.com/personnel-privacy-notice/.