Kitchen Sous Chef

Passages; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

401k/Retirement plan

PSLF eligibility

Scholarship program

Career growth

Sunshine Teams

Job summary

Passages in Billings, MT is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our correctional kitchen team. The position provides daily meal preparation, supervision of staff, and strict adherence to safety and health standards.

You will support meal delivery three times daily, foster teamwork, and assist with special events while ensuring quality and compliance with governing regulations. The role requires hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience in food services including food preparations for large groups and supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Office).
• Ability to pass a physical and work in a correctional kitchen environment.
• Ability to pass background check and federal drug testing.
• ServSafe or able to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and service of meals, snacks, plates, and other items according to resident meal plans.
• Training and supervision of inmate workers and food service assistants.
• Supervision and management of the food services program when the Chef is absent.
• Responsible for maintaining safe and sanitary conditions in all food service areas.
• Assistance with special luncheons and events.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

MS Office

Driver's license

Physical ability

Background check & drug testing

ServSafe certification

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Passages - BILLINGS, MT 59101Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $21.00 - $23.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayJob Category: Restaurant - Food ServiceWe are hiring: Sous Chef

Starting Wage

Salary: The starting salary for this position is $21.00-$23.00/hour, DOE.

Job Type

Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule

Monday-Tuesday 3am-11am; Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Weekends off but may require flexibility for special events.

Training

Orientation: Alternatives provides thorough orientation and training for all new staff. You can expect a one-week orientation, where you will learn all about Alternatives and be prepared for your role. This first week is scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM at our Alternatives Training Center.

To be a successful Sous Chef, you will need the following skills and qualifications:

Must Haves

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience in food services including food preparations for large groups and supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Office).
• Ability to pass a physical and work in a correctional kitchen environment.
• Ability to pass background check and federal drug testing.
• ServSafe or able to obtain within 6 months of employment.

What Will You Do in This Position?

The Sous Chef will assist in preparation and delivery of melas to Alternatives, Inc. residents and personnel. Meal service is required 3 times per day, every day of the year. The Sous Chef is responsible for ensuring that food services operations comply with standards and all applicable laws and regulations. This role will work closely with all personality types and supervise, motivate, and train assigned workers.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and service of meals, snacks, plates, and other items according to resident meal plans.
• Training and supervision of inmate workers and food service assistants.
• Supervision and management of the food services program when the Chef is absent.
• Responsible for maintaining safe and sanitary conditions in all food service areas.
• Assistance with special luncheons and events.

About the Team

Join a passionate and supportive team led by an experienced Chef with years in both the food industry and with Alternatives, Inc. You'll collaborate closely with dedicated Kitchen Coordinators who are committed to helping residents in the Culinary Arts Program grow their skills, build confidence, and succeed—both in the kitchen and beyond. Together, we create a positive, hands-on learning environment that empowers individuals to pursue meaningful careers in food service.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical: Employer pays $532.23 toward employee coverage. Additional plans for children and family are available at employee cost.
• Dental: Employer pays 100% of employee-only coverage. Affordable coverage for children and families is available at employee cost.
• Vision: Affordable plans are available for employees, children, and families at low cost.
• Life Insurance: The agency provides a $25,000 coverage plan for all benefit-eligible employees. Additional employee-paid supplemental plans available.
• Short-and-Long-term Disability: 100% employer-paid coverage for employees.
• 401k/Retirement Plan: Employees are eligible for 401k contributions after one year of employment and 1,000 hours worked. Employer profit sharing is eligible annually, based on board approval.
• AFLAC: Supplemental plans are available to employees and their families at employee cost.

PTO

• Accrual: Start accruing PTO from your first paycheck. Full-time (40-hour) employees with 0-2 years of employment accrue 4.65 hours per pay period, totaling 15 days a year.
• Increased Accrual with Tenure: Accrual rates increase at 3, 5 years and every subsequent 5-year mark, up to 25+ years.
• Pro Rata Basis: Accrual rates for employees working 20-30 hours per week are on a pro rata basis.

Paid Holidays

• Full‑Time Employees: Enjoy 11 paid holidays.
• Part‑Time Employees: Employees working 20-30 hours per week also receive paid holidays on a pro rata basis.

Here are some fantastic perks of working with us:

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Alternatives is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer, giving qualifying employees the opportunity to have their federal student loans forgiven while working for a nonprofit organization.
• Scholarship Program: We invest in our employees' growth through scholarship opportunities, subject to eligibility requirements, program availability, and funding.
• Career Growth: We believe in promoting from within! Many of our team members have advanced into new roles throughout their careers at Alternatives. Our CEO has been with the organization for over 40 years, and many employees have celebrated 10+ years of service.
• Sunshine Teams: Each building has a Sunshine Team dedicated to boosting morale, planning fun activities, organizing food days, celebrating employee birthdays, and other special occasions throughout the year.