Chef - Temporary

CASA SERENA; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 4,408,000; Part time

Job summary

Casa Serena in Santa Barbara, CA seeks a Temporary Chef to lead kitchen operations at a women-only residential treatment center. You will prepare meals, manage inventory, ensure safety standards, and collaborate with staff to deliver nutritious menus.

This temporary role requires ServSafe knowledge, menu planning, and budget awareness. CPR/First Aid, a valid driver’s license, and healthcare experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience meeting ServeSafe standards and food safety practices.
• Ability to create balanced menus for varying client dietary needs.
• Familiarity with census and inventory control.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; professional demeanor.
• Cultural competency and client-centered approach.

Responsibilities

• Preparing all weekend meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner) for clients, according to nutrition, safety, and cleanliness guidelines.
• Meal prepping as needed and planning menus for dietary needs.
• Maintain shopping list and submit supply purchase requests.
• Oversee ingredient inventory and budget tracking.
• Buss and wash dishes; keep kitchen clean and organized.

Skills

ServeSafe standards

Menu creation

Food preparation

Census & inventory

Communication

Professional demeanor

Cultural competency

Tools

MS Office

Google Suite

Job description

Description

Casa Serena is a residential substance use, mental health, trauma and eating disorder treatment center for women only. We are currently looking to add a creative, compassionate and innovative individual to the team in the position of Temporary Chef!

Availability: This is a temporary position to fill in for someone while they are out.

Primary Purpose and Function

The Chef is responsible for all kitchen operations at Residential, including all daily meals, cleaning and storage, purchasing, inventory, and maintaining the kitchen according to county health codes and ServSafe standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Preparing all weekend meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner) for clients, according to appropriate guidelines of nutrition, food safety, and cleanliness
• Meal prepping, as needed
• Preparing a menu appropriate for all current client dietary needs
• Maintaining shopping list and submitting supply purchase requests, as needed
• Independently conducting grocery shopping trips as needed
• Operating within and tracking budget, as indicated by census
• Overseeing ingredient inventory, monitoring to ensure continuity of staple items, and optimizing use of resources
• Monitoring costs and proactively seeking opportunities to better budget health while maintaining expected standards
• Responsible for safe food standards including sanitation, food temperatures, refrigerator temperatures, food and equipment handling, and proper food storage and labelling
• Responsible for maintaining an impeccably clean kitchen environment, bussing and washing all dishes, deep-cleaning kitchen and equipment
• Providing food for holidays and special events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Core Competency

(minimum skills, knowledge and experience needed to perform essential functions and responsibilities)

1. ServeSafe standards
2. Menu creation
3. Food preparation
4. Census & inventory
5. Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally
6. Possess a professional demeanor and a collaborative spirit
7. Cultural competency and client-centered care approach

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of chef / cooking experience
• Food Handler's Certification (servsafe certified) preferred or willing to obtain upon hire
• Current CPR & First Aid Certification and TB/Health Screen within 60 days of employment (or willing to obtain upon 7 days of hire)
• Basic computer skills, experience in MS Office or Google Suite preferred
• Experience in a behavioral health treatment facility preferred
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and insurable by our insurance carrier

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and respond quickly to emergencies
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Exposure to clients in emotional distress or crisis situations
• Work performed in office, residential, or detox environment

*Those who do not meet all preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply if they believe they can meet the essential duties as outlined.