Cook - NCSH Residential

HealthRIGHT 360; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

15 paid holidays

Commuter benefits

Retirement plans

Training and professional development opportunities

Job summary

HealthRIGHT 360 is looking for a Cook to provide nutritious meals for residents in a supportive environment. You will prepare meals, manage food safety, and work closely with a team dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

The role requires a high school diploma, food safety certification, and experience in a professional kitchen. Join us to make a difference in the lives of those we serve!

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred.
• Current food safety certification is necessary.
• Previous experience in a professional kitchen is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare balanced, nutritious meals according to production menu.
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Train kitchen client workers on safety standards.

Skills

Meal Preparation

Cost Management

Food Safety Compliance

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree preferred

Certification in food safety and sanitation

Tools

Food safety equipment

Kitchen appliances

Job description

Job Description

Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00 AM

HealthRIGHT 360 gives hope, builds health, and changes lives for people in need by providing comprehensive, integrated, compassionate care that includes primary medical care, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment.

Health RIGHT360 offers residential treatment services designed to serve individuals and families with substance use disorders and co‑occurring mental health disorders. Our program helps clients address addiction and related issues, increase skills, manage stressors, connect to supportive service, and build a foundation for lasting recovery. Residential programs run 24/7 and involve individual and group therapy, family therapy, individualized case management, treatment planning, drug and alcohol counseling, medication support services, and crisis intervention.

Benefits

• HR360 offers a robust benefits package, including PTO, 15 paid holidays, commuter benefits, retirement plans, and more!
• Employees qualify for public loan forgiveness programs
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Work with mission driven, compassionate colleagues and make a difference every day in the work that you do.

This is a union eligible position.

JOB SUMMARY

HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization and a family of programs, is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Our mission is to tackle systemic barriers to healthcare and promote health equity for all. We offer a wide range of services, including mental health care, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, and primary health services.

Additionally, we provide transitional support for individuals re‑entering the community after involvement in the criminal justice system. By integrating physical and behavioral health, we empower individuals to overcome challenges by addressing social determinants of health, fostering resilience, and facilitating recovery.

The Food Services Department plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well‑being of residents through the provision of nutritious and appealing meals. This department is dedicated to creating a supportive and therapeutic environment by ensuring that all dietary needs are met and that meals contribute to the clients’ overall recovery process.

The Cook plays an integral role in the program by working both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, team‑oriented kitchen environment. Based primarily at North County Serenity House Residential—a HealthRIGHT 360 program—the Cook supports a gender‑responsive and trauma‑informed setting that employs evidence‑based practices to address the impact of trauma on women’s substance use and criminal histories. In this role, the Cook is responsible for overseeing and performing food preparation, ordering, and shopping in accordance with the agency’s quality standards and budgetary goals. The Cook also ensures food safety, upholds proper sanitation procedures, and consistently follows the FIFO (First In, First Out) method, among other essential responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meal Preparation and Nutrition
  • Ensure meals are well balanced, nutritious, and appealing.
  • Follow the production menu.
  • Prepare food for residents and special events.
• Cost Management and Resource Utilization
  • Reduce unnecessary costs whenever possible.
  • Utilize donations and creativity on menus.
  • Order food within budget.
• Transportation and Logistics
  • Drive Food Services van to transport food, meals, and other supplies between facilities.
  • Advise on possible improvements in efficiency, productivity, etc.
  • Manage food storage, proper refrigeration, and inventory control.
• Safety and Compliance
  • Maintain professional safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitation in accordance with health and safety codes.
  • Ensure servicing and repair of equipment.
  • Notify supervisor of equipment needs.
• Training and Client Interaction
  • Ensure that all kitchen client workers are familiar with agency and departmental policies, procedures, and practices for safe food handling.
  • Hold clients accountable for safety standards.
  • Train and evaluate clients assigned to the kitchen.
• Teamwork and Morale
  • Maintain team spirit and morale within the kitchen.
  • Work as a team with Food Services to further Department and Agency needs.
• Administration and Other Duties
  • Complete all assigned training in a timely manner.
  • Attend and participate in meetings.
  • Read and respond to emails and messages when appropriate.
  • Maintain food handler’s certification.
  • And perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Certification, or Licensure
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. A culinary degree from a recognized culinary institution preferred.
  • Current certification in food safety and sanitation.
  • Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Valid California driver’s license and access to registered and insured transportation.
• Experience
  • Experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in various culinary roles.
  • Experience with FIFO method.

Must complete background check and livescan clearance.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.