Culinary Director

Kitchen Manager / Dining Manager

📍 Morgantown, West Virginia
🕒 Full-Time | On-Site

Join a team that’s changing lives.

At Wise Path Recovery Centers, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, we provide integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment through evidence-based, high-quality clinical care. We believe recovery is possible — and that healing happens in every detail of the environment, including the meals we serve.

Food is not just nutrition in our program. It is connection, comfort, culture, and care.

We are seeking a mission-driven Dining Manager to lead and build our culinary program at our Morgantown, West Virginia residential recovery center.

Position Overview

The Kitchen Manager / Culinary Director is responsible for full oversight and startup of food service operations within a residential behavioral health setting. This leader will design systems, establish vendor relationships, create therapeutic and culturally responsive menus, hire and develop kitchen staff, and ensure regulatory compliance.

This role is ideal for a hands-on operational leader who understands that meals are part of the healing process and who can balance structure, compliance, and excellence with compassion and mission alignment.

Essential Responsibilities

Kitchen Startup & Operations

Lead full kitchen setup including equipment procurement, organization, workflow development, and systems implementation

Develop weekly and monthly menus in collaboration with a Registered Dietitian (as required)

Ensure compliance with West Virginia food safety regulations and Joint Commission standards

Establish and manage vendor relationships within approved budget parameters

Implement allergy protocols and culturally responsive meal options

Monitor inventory levels and reduce food waste through strategic purchasing and planning

Leadership & Team Development

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff

Develop staffing schedules to ensure full coverage for all meal periods

Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork

Model Wise Path’s core values of Kindness, Teamwork, Empathy, Integrity, Excellence, and Mission-Driven service

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Maintain temperature logs, sanitation schedules, and inspection readiness

Ensure kitchen and dining areas consistently meet cleanliness and safety standards

Lead all food service audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews

Maintain accurate documentation and reporting

Client-Centered Services

Collaborate with clinical and medical teams to support therapeutic dietary needs

Support nutrition education initiatives when appropriate

Proactively respond to client and staff feedback to enhance service quality

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or GED

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Minimum 5 years of food service experience

Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Preferred

Certificate or degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field

Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or institutional food service settings

Key Competencies

Operational leadership and team management

Menu planning and budget stewardship

Knowledge of state and federal food safety regulations

Strong interdisciplinary collaboration

Cultural awareness and trauma-informed approach

Ability to lead during startup and growth phases

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Fast-paced residential healthcare environment

Frequent standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, and multitasking

Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure

Employee Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match (if applicable)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Mission-driven culture focused on healing and community impact

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations

The organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

The organization provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify your supervisor or Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal employment opportunities.

ARS also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.