Cook (On-Call) - Food Services

HealthRIGHT 360; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

North County Serenity House, a Program of HealthRIGHT 360, is seeking an On-Call Cook to join our residential kitchen team. You will oversee food preparation, safety, and inventory while delivering nutritious meals for residents and special events.

The role emphasizes FIFO, sanitation, and teamwork within a dynamic, health-focused setting; a high school diploma and food safety cert are required, with culinary degree and CPR/First Aid preferred. An CA driver’s license is needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a culinary degree from a recognized institution preferred.
• Current certification in food safety and sanitation.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure meals are well balanced, nutritious, and appealing.
• Reduce unnecessary costs and utilize donations; plan menus accordingly.
• Follow the production menu and budget; prepare meals for residents and events.
• Drive Food Services van to transport food and supplies between facilities.
• Advise on improvements in efficiency and productivity.
• Manage food storage, proper refrigeration, and inventory control.
• Maintain professional safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitation per codes.
• Ensure servicing and repair of equipment; notify supervisor of needs.
• Ensure kitchen staff are familiar with policies and safety practices.
• Train and evaluate clients assigned to kitchen.
• Maintain team spirit and morale within kitchen.
• Work as a team with Food Services to support department and agency needs.

Skills

Food safety & sanitation certification

First Aid & CPR certification

CA driver’s license

FIFO method

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree (preferred)

Job description

This is a union eligible position. This is an On-Call position.

North County Serenity House, a Program of HealthRIGHT 360, was founded in 1966 to provide substance use disorder services in the community. North County Serenity House provides a gender-responsive and trauma-informed environment, using evidence-based and best practices that recognize and account for the role that trauma frequently plays in substance use and criminal histories of women. For clients with co-occurring mental illness, we provide integrated substance use and mental health services which treat both conditions as primary. Our residential facility serves up to 120 women (with capacity for up to 20 children under 5 years of age) seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

The Cook contributes to the program by both independently and collaboratively operating within a dynamic, team-centered kitchen environment. They oversee and carry out food preparation, ordering, and shopping activities in alignment with the agency's quality and budgetary goals. Additionally, the Cook prioritizes food safety, maintains proper sanitation standards, and adheres to the FIFO method, among other responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Service Responsibilities

• Ensure meals are well balanced, nutritious, and appealing.
• Reduce unnecessary costs whenever possible and utilize donations and creativity on menus.
• Follow the production menu.
• Orders food within budget and prepare food for residents and special events.
• Drive Food Services van to transport food, meals, and other supplies between facilities.
• Advise on possible improvements in efficiency, productivity, etc.

Food Storage and Safety Responsibilities

• Manage food storage, proper refrigeration, and inventory control.
• 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.

Treatment Setting Responsibilities

• Ensure that all kitchen client workers are familiar with agency and departmental policies, procedures, practices safe food handling and holds clients accountable.
• Train and evaluate clients assigned to kitchen.
• Maintain team spirit and morale within kitchen.
• Work as a team with Food Services and perform functions that further Department and Agency needs.

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.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license.

Experience

• Experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in various culinary roles.
• Experience with FIFO method.

Background Check and Other Requirements

• Capable of completing a background check and live scan.
• Applicants must not be on parole or probation due to funding regulations.
• Qualified candidates with a criminal record will be considered for employment.