Culinary Chef

Gratitude Lodge; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Small-team environment

Residential detox facility

Partial weekends off

Job summary

Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach is seeking a dependable Chef to prepare daily lunches and dinners for clients in early recovery. The role focuses on nutritious, recovery-focused meals in a quiet, structured residential setting.

You will create menus, adjust for dietary restrictions, manage inventory, and maintain safety and cleanliness in line with CA health codes. This is a full-time, on-site position with a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a residential, detox or healthcare setting.
• Experience with small-batch cooking and individualized meal prep preferred.
• Knowledge of nutrition in substance use recovery preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• TB test and health screening required upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lunch and dinner daily, Monday through Friday.
• Pre-prepare meals for Saturday and Sunday.
• Create nutritious, recovery-focused menus aligned with client needs.
• Adjust meals for dietary restrictions, allergies, or clinician guidance.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards in accordance with CA health code.
• Order supplies and manage inventory within budget.
• Maintain and sanitize kitchen equipment regularly.

Skills

Small-batch cooking

Healthcare setting experience

Nutrition knowledge

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Support Recovery Through Nutrition

Gratitude Lodge, a 6-bed inpatient detoxification facility in Newport Beach, is hiring a dependable and experienced Chef to prepare daily meals for clients in early recovery. Your role will directly support our clients' physical wellness and emotional healing by providing healthy, balanced meals in a peaceful, structured setting.

Chef Responsibilities

• Prepare lunch and dinner daily, Monday through Friday
• Pre-prepare meals for Saturday and Sunday
• Create menus that are nutritious, recovery-focused, and aligned with client needs
• Adjust meals for dietary restrictions, allergies, or clinician guidance
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards in accordance with CA health code
• Order supplies and manage inventory within budget
• Maintain and sanitize kitchen equipment regularly

Requirements

• Minimum 1 years of experience in a residential, detox, or healthcare setting
• Experience with small-batch cooking and individualized meal prep
• Knowledge of nutrition in substance use recovery preferred
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• TB test and health screening required upon hire
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally

About the Role

This is a great opportunity for a thoughtful, organized chef who enjoys working in a quiet, respectful environment with a small client population. Gratitude Lodge offers a structured setting where your culinary work contributes meaningfully to early recovery outcomes.

Why Join Gratitude Lodge?

• Be part of a supportive team focused on high-quality care
• Work in a low-volume, client-centered residential setting
• Maintain a consistent work schedule with partial weekends off
• Contribute to a mission-driven environment that values dignity, comfort, and healing.