Chef/Cook

Evolve Treatment Centers; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Consistent schedule

Supportive culture

Beautiful workplace

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Evolve Treatment Centers in La Mesa, CA, seeks a Chef (Cook) to prepare meals for six adolescent residents in a secure residential home. This role uses food as part of teens’ recovery and well-being, with a supportive, mission-driven team.

You will grocery shop, plan weekly menus, and cook teen-friendly meals while meeting allergies and preferences. Work from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved for meal prep.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook in residential, school, health care, or similar settings.
• ServSafe 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.
• Prepare healthy, teen-friendly meals for 6 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 on admission to learn about allergies, restrictions, or preferences.
• Meet with clients weekly to review weekly menu.
• Ensure kitchen compliance with accreditation, licensing, and program standards.
• Manage a monthly budget for all food and culinary expenses.

Skills

Cooking experience

Organization

Time management

Communication

Calm under pressure

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Make meals that heal. Evolve Treatment Centers is hiring aChef (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/.