Lanakila Pacific helps individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges build independence and improve their quality of life. Lanakila Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals and supportive services that help older adults and individuals with disabilities maintain their health, independence, and dignity. As part of this mission, the Medically Tailored Meals program develops specialized meals designed to support individuals managing chronic health conditions.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Medically Tailored Meals Chef is responsible for developing and overseeing specialized meal production for individuals with chronic health conditions to support healing, wellness, and improved health outcomes. This role works collaboratively with Registered Dietitians and culinary staff to ensure meals meet prescribed dietary requirements while maintaining high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation. The Medically Tailored Meals Chef supports Lanakila Pacific's mission and values by demonstrating teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence while upholding STAR service standards in all interactions.
BENEFITS:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work–life balance, including:
- Health Insurance (medical, vision, and dental)
- Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Lifestyle Benefits (employee wellness and support programs)
- Additional organizational perks and employee support programs
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- High school diploma, certificate of completion, or equivalent; OR eight (8) years of cafeteria, restaurant, kitchen, or food production experience in lieu of education
- Minimum four (4) years of experience in cafeteria, restaurant, kitchen, or food production operations
- Experience working with Registered Dietitians or clinical teams
- Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
- Valid driver's license and clean driver's abstract
- Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
- Ability to pass required clearances: TB test, criminal background check, pre-employment drug test, and CPS/APS checks
Preferred:
- Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, or related field
- Experience developing therapeutic diets or medically tailored meals
- Nutrition or dietary certification
- Strong knowledge of clinical diets, including renal, diabetic, cardiac, and low-sodium meal requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position Specific Duties:
- Collaborate with Registered Dietitians to develop and implement medically appropriate menus
- Ensure recipes meet condition-specific dietary requirements, including renal, diabetic, cardiac, and low-sodium diets
- Modify recipes and portion sizes to meet prescribed nutrition guidelines and targets
- Standardize recipes and maintain consistent nutrient composition across meal production
- Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation while adhering to dietary restrictions
- Provide guidance on large-scale batch cooking for medically tailored meal production
- Participate in menu reviews, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
- Support accreditation and compliance requirements related to medically tailored meal programs
- Meet with culinary staff to review meal feedback and identify opportunities for improvement
Quality & Compliance:
- Monitor compliance with dietary prescriptions and nutrition standards
- Ensure meal consistency, quality, and participant satisfaction
- Maintain food safety and sanitation standards in accordance with applicable regulations and organizational requirements
- Complete all required documentation and reporting related to meal production and compliance activities
Other Duties:
- Represent the organization at community events, outreach opportunities, and fundraising activities as needed
- Complete all required training and professional development activities
- Uphold Lanakila Pacific's mission, vision, values, and STAR service standards
- Perform other related duties as assigned
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
- Strong knowledge of clinical diets, including renal, diabetic, cardiac, and other therapeutic meal plans
- Ability to translate nutrition guidelines into practical, appealing meals
- Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills
- Ability to maintain quality standards while managing production requirements
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
WORKING CONDITIONS/HOURS:
- Part-time position
- Hours and workdays may vary based on operational needs and program requirements
- Primarily works in a commercial kitchen environment, with occasional work in office settings and community locations
- May travel to other program sites, meetings, events, or training locations as needed
- Frequent exposure to kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, and varying temperatures associated with meal production operations
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Frequent: Standing, walking, sitting, handling food and equipment, tasting, talking, hearing, and visual observation
- Occasional: Travel, climbing stairs, balancing, lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds
- Seldom: Lifting/carrying 26-50 pounds; stooping, kneeling, crouching, and squatting
- Rare: Lifting over 50 pounds or working in low-light conditions
