Kitchen Assistant

Northstar behavioral health network; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental

Vision

HSA

401k & Company match

Short and long term disability

EAP

Paid holidays

Paid Time off

Job summary

Northstar Behavioral Health Network, a Minnesota-based provider serving opioid and stimulant use disorder treatment programs, is seeking a Kitchen Associate to support the Kitchen Manager in delivering safe, nutritious meals. The role requires adherence to MN statutes, a high level of teamwork, and alignment with our mission to foster growth and compassionate care.

Primary duties include menu updates, inventory control, and staff training, with opportunities for professional development within a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Background study will be completed.
• Must have valid Minnesota driver’s license.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic internet research.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Assist Kitchen Manager with day-to-day duties.
• Maintain knowledge of house and client activities.
• Modify and update menus to meet client nutritional needs.
• Ensure kitchen is clean and sanitary and complies with regulations.
• Monitor stock levels and place orders as needed.
• Train and develop new hires in cooking and related duties.
• Work with technician leadership to assign responsibilities across the team.
• Ensure meals meet client dietary requirements and program needs.

Job description

Description

Join a Team That Changes Lives—Including Yours!

Northstar Behavioral Health Network is a team of professionals that specialize in serving those battling substance use disorders, specifically Opioid Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder. Also specializing in those needing Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS).

At Northstar Behavioral Health, we don’t just treat addiction—we transform lives. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert care for individuals battling opioid and stimulant addiction through a multi‑faceted treatment approach. But what truly sets us apart? Our people!

We believe in fostering a work environment where growth, community, and passion thrive. That means: Exciting Team Events – We celebrate our hardworking staff with engaging gatherings, fostering connections beyond the workplace. Commitment to Community – From volunteering events to local engagement initiatives, we actively give back to the community we serve. Opportunities for Career Growth – With our expanding network of over 200 clients and growing, we provide the support and tools for you to thrive professionally. A Culture of Support – Join a team that understands the importance of a workplace built on integrity, compassion, and collaboration.

Benefits:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and financial future, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• HSA
• Dependent Care
• 401k & Company match
• Short and long term disability
• EAP
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time off
• Supportive and dedicated work environment

Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Essential Functions)

Assist Kitchen Manager with the following duties:

• Maintain current knowledge of house and client activities.
• Modify and update facility menu to ensure client nutritional needs
• Ensure facility kitchen is clean and sanitary
• Act as the primary point of contact for Department of Health inquiries
• Monitor stock levels, and place orders as needed
• Train and develop new hires, both cooking and tech staff, for their respective roles as it relates to kitchen duties
• Work with technician leadership to assign responsibilities across technician team
• Remain responsible for company grocery card and receipts for those purchases
• Ensure prepared meals meet any client special dietary requirements
• Plan work tasks to coincide with programming requirements.
• Set priorities in preparing meals, placing food orders, cleaning facility and completion of other assignments.
• Available, in a friendly respectful dignified manner, to other staff for questions and other assistance.
• Comprehensive understanding of all MN Statutes related to providing services for the population NBHN serves
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Highly dependable and can be counted on to work independently, having the ability to work with little direction.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of program philosophy and policies and procedures, 245G requirements, house operations, including client rights and confidentiality.
• Clearly understanding the program mission and how his/her work integrates with and advances the goals of the program.
• Use sound decision making skills, exhibiting good judgment and realistic understanding of issues.
• Be diplomatic and exhibiting sensitivity toward other staff and client’s feelings, needs, values, and opinions.
• Take ownership when solving problems.
• Have a willingness to seek assistance in making decisions.
• Continuously seek out to improve by suggesting solutions to operational struggles, through soliciting input from co‑workers including director.
• Respond constructively to feedback with an open mind.
• Interact, communicate, and collaborate with team members to support the mission of NBH.
• Demonstrate behavior that shows he/she is striving to maintain a positive environment by role modeling appropriate language and using respectful social skills.
• Participate in staff meetings.
• Complete clerical assignments such as faxing, copying programming materials, stocking packets/forms, typing documents in Word and updating Excel spreadsheets.
• Support staff and director in making decisions.
• Ability to set boundaries with co - workers and clients.
• Launder agency linen and miscellaneous items as needed.
• Keep co‑workers informed of all appropriate developments.
• Adhere to attendance and absence policies.
• Punctual in reporting for work and shift change reports.
• Able to work additional hours/off - shift as needed.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience (Minimum requirements in terms of educational background, work experience, licenses/certifications or other knowledge skills and abilities).

• High school diploma or GED.
• Successfully complete a background study.
• Know and understand the implications of Minnesota Statutes, sections 245G.01 through 245G.22, 245A.65, 260E, 626.557, and 626.5572 and willingness to understand, learn, and carry out regulations with integrity.
• Free of chemical use problems for at least one year immediately preceding hire date and sign a statement attesting to that fact.
• Must be eighteen years old. CPR and 1st Aid certified or willing to participate in courses provided by NBH.
• Must have a valid MN driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet research.
• Physical ability to perform the responsibilities of the position which include, bending, stooping, sitting, walking, and lifting at least 30 pounds.

Additional Skills and Experience (Preferred or helpful)

Previous experience in human services and/or healthcare environment as related to position responsibilities. Direct client care experience with chemical dependency treatment and rehabilitation.