Lead Culinary Cook — Recovery Kitchen Operations

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role

Impactful work

Growth opportunities

Team culture

Comprehensive benefits

Great Place to Work

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is seeking a Lead Line Cook to serve as the on-site culinary leader within our SUD programs, driving daily kitchen operations that support recovery and well-being.

You will lead daily meal production, ensure safety and quality, manage inventory and staff, and maintain compliance with all food-safety standards to keep the kitchen inspection-ready at all times.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Experience in a program setting preferred.
• Two years of sobriety preferred.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle available for use during all working hours.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily meal production and service according to approved menus and recipes, ensuring meals are served on time, at proper temperatures, and with consistency.
• Maintain uninterrupted kitchen operations during scheduled service, serving as the primary on-site point of accountability for kitchen performance.
• Enforce all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards, maintaining and reporting required temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure the kitchen remains inspection ready at all times and address food safety or compliance issues immediately.
• Order food and supplies through approved vendors, maintaining appropriate par levels to support uninterrupted service.
• Receive, inspect, and verify deliveries for accuracy and quality, ensuring proper storage, labeling, and FIFO rotation.
• Track inventory usage, waste, and shortages, reporting discrepancies and purchasing activity as required.
• Lead and direct kitchen staff during assigned shifts, assigning tasks and managing workflow during prep and service.
• Adjust in real time to callouts, volume changes, or operational issues, stepping directly into production or service roles as needed.
• Execute daily operations within approved labor and food cost targets, minimizing waste, over-ordering, and unnecessary overtime.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with Program Directors and site leadership, collaborating with program teams to support individuals served.
• Respond respectfully to individuals served and staff regarding feedback related to meal service.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions, modeling accountability and reliability for kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Food safety supervision

Weekend availability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is seeking a Lead Line Cook to serve as the on-site culinary leader within our SUD programs, driving daily kitchen operations that support recovery and well-being.

You will lead daily meal production, ensure safety and quality, manage inventory and staff, and maintain compliance with all food-safety standards to keep the kitchen inspection-ready at all times.