FOOD SERVICES PLANNER & COOK - Join the Team!

Buckelew Programs is the leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the North Bay region, dedicated to supporting individuals who might otherwise lack access to much-needed care. Established with a commitment to inclusivity and community well-being, the organization operates a variety of programs designed to address mental health, substance use, and other behavioral challenges. The institution prides itself on fostering an empathetic, supportive environment where clients receive comprehensive services aimed at improving their quality of life and promoting recovery. Buckelew’s approach emphasizes not only clinical care but also practical support services that empower individuals to live healthier, more independent lives. As a well-respected non-profit agency, Buckelew Programs continuously seeks passionate professionals to join their team in fulfilling this mission. Currently, Buckelew Programs is hiring a Food Services Planner/Cook for the Orenda Center, a 20-bed residential and detoxification program in Sonoma County that joined Buckelew in 2024. This position is part-time and onsite, with weekend hours from 7 am to 3 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The Orenda Center focuses on providing residential support and detox services to clients who require a safe and structured environment for recovery. In this role, the Food Services Planner/Cook will be responsible for all aspects of food preparation and nutrition, contributing to client well-being through the provision of nutritious, balanced meals. The role involves planning weekly menus that meet diverse dietary needs, ordering and receiving food and beverage deliveries while monitoring quality and quantity, and establishing food safety protocols to ensure compliance and reduce waste. This position requires an individual skilled in both culinary arts and nutrition, capable of preparing a range of meals including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to accommodate various dietary restrictions. The Food Services Planner/Cook will work closely with program staff to ensure meals are served in an aesthetically pleasing and delicious manner while maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety. Additionally, the role includes educating staff and clients on appropriate food handling, portion sizes, and the nutritional value of meals, supporting clients in learning independent living skills related to cooking and meal preparation. In addition to culinary duties, this position demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage food budgets effectively. Maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment, including regular sanitation and upkeep of kitchen equipment, is an essential responsibility, ensuring that health regulations are consistently met. The Food Services Planner/Cook also serves as a positive role model within the agency, embodying agency diplomacy, empathy, and supportiveness in interactions with clients and colleagues. This opportunity provides a meaningful way to contribute directly to the health and recovery journeys of individuals in a residential behavioral healthcare setting. Candidates ideally should have a minimum of a high school education, though preferred backgrounds include nutrition, culinary arts, menu planning, food sanitation, or related fields. Experience in residential cooking, catering, or school food services, especially in environments serving large groups, is highly valued. The role requires a self-motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should also possess basic computer skills for tasks such as online ordering and documentation. Joining Buckelew Programs means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values equality and fosters professional growth. The organization encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about making a difference in behavioral healthcare through the important work of nutritional planning and food service management.

• High school education minimum
• Two years relevant cooking experience in residential, school, or catering settings
• Knowledge of healthy nutrition and portion sizes
• Experience with menu planning and food safety protocols
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and internet use
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, talk and hear for most of the shift
• Ability to maintain composure and work quality in a busy kitchen environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Reliable and detail-oriented
• Ability to work weekends, specifically Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm