Company Overview
Eagle Healthcare Services, Inc. is a dedicated healthcare agency specializing in providing comprehensive support to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to promote well-being, independence, and quality of life through compassionate and professional care.
Job Summary
The Culinary Unit Leader in a Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) environment oversees the daily operations of the kitchen unit while working side-by-side with individuals in recovery from severe mental illness to promote skill-building, independence, and recovery.
Unlike traditional commerical kitchen roles, this position blends culinary management with psychatric rehabilitation, using food preparation as a therapeutic medium to build confidence and transferable job skills.
Duties
- Plan, organize, and oversee the daily operations of the culinary unit in accordance with PSR program goals.
- Work collaboratively with individuals in recovery to prepare meals, snacks, and beverages in a supportive, therapeutic environment.
- Teach and model proper food preparation, cooking techniques, meal planning, and kitchen organization.
- Provide hands-on instruction in food safety, sanitation, and proper use of kitchen equipment while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations.
- Foster a recovery-oriented environment that promotes independence, self-confidence, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
- Encourage members to participate in all aspects of kitchen operations, including meal preparation, cleaning, inventory management, and serving.
- Assist individuals in developing transferable vocational and life skills that support community integration and future employment opportunities.
- Support members in setting and achieving individualized rehabilitation goals through meaningful participation in culinary activities.
- Supervise and mentor participants while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
- Monitor kitchen cleanliness and ensure adherence to sanitation, infection control, and workplace safety standards.
- Order, receive, and maintain inventory of food, supplies, and kitchen equipment to ensure efficient operations.
- Develop nutritious, cost-effective menus that accommodate dietary restrictions and program needs.
- Track food costs, minimize waste, and maintain inventory records.
- Collaborate with clinical staff and interdisciplinary team members to support members' treatment plans and recovery goals.
- Observe and document participant engagement, progress, and skill development as required by agency policies.
- Provide encouragement, positive reinforcement, and constructive feedback to promote member success.
- Train members in time management, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and workplace expectations.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Assist with special events, community meals, and other program activities as assigned.
Skills
- Extensive assisted living experience with a focus on mental health or psychological rehabilitation environments.
- Proficiency in patient assessment techniques related to nutrition and physiology knowledge.
- Strong background in managing food service teams within dietary department settings.
- Knowledge of health regulation policies, food safety management, and food service health code compliance.
- Experience with tube feeding protocols, clinical nutrition practices, and dietetics principles.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with supervisory experience in managing food production operations and managing budgets effectively.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for managing electronic health records related to dietary care plans.
- Acute care experience is preferred to support complex nutritional needs of clients undergoing psychological treatment.
Join us as we deliver exceptional nutritional support that empowers recovery and enhances the well-being of individuals in our care!
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person