Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, LLC Head Chef Lockhart, TX · Full time Company website

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Situated off Highway 183 between Austin and Lockhart, Texas, the campus at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch spans 200 acres of ranchland, forest, ponds and native scrub. Our treatment team takes full advantage of this setting for experiential therapy — using movement, nature, and hands-on activities to engage the brain and body together. Here’s how it works: Talk therapy helps people understand what’s driving their behavior. Experiential work helps them start to change it. It’s like the difference between reading a map and walking the trail. This is where we break through stuck patterns, deepen emotional insight, and build the kinds of habits that support long-term recovery.

Position Summary

The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, supporting clients participating in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery programs. This role blends high-quality food service with compassion, structure, and wellness-focused nutrition to promote healing, stability, and dignity.

The Head Chef designs and executes balanced meal programs that meet clinical guidelines, dietary needs, and cultural preferences while fostering a safe, supportive, and recovery-oriented environment. Candidates must have experience or familiarity with preparing balanced diets specifically for individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD).

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Operations

• Plan, develop, and execute nutritious, well-balanced menus that support physical and emotional wellness in recovery, with a focus on SUD-informed nutrition.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation, service, and sanitation.
• Maintain consistent food quality, portion control, and presentation across all meals.
• Manage food inventory, purchasing, storage, and cost controls within budget.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

Nutrition & Wellness Support

• Collaborate with clinical, medical, and wellness staff to align menus with recovery-focused nutritional guidelines for SUD populations.
• Accommodate special dietary needs, including allergies, medical diets, religious considerations, and therapeutic meal plans.
• Promote education around healthy eating habits and their role in addiction recovery when appropriate.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate kitchen staff and food service team members.
• Foster a respectful, structured, and supportive kitchen culture aligned with the mission of recovery.
• Schedule staff efficiently to meet operational needs.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for culinary staff.

Client-Centered Environment

• Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect in all interactions with clients.
• Support a trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approach to food service.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries while contributing positively to the therapeutic environment.

Administrative & Strategic Duties

• Develop and manage kitchen budgets and food cost targets.
• Create systems and procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings as needed to support overall program goals.
• Assist with special events, celebrations, and therapeutic programming involving food.

Qualifications

Required

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, preferably in healthcare, residential treatment, hospitality, or institutional food service.
• Demonstrated experience or strong familiarity with preparing balanced diets for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).
• Strong knowledge of nutrition, menu planning, and large-scale food preparation.
• Current food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) or ability to obtain.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a structured, mission-driven environment.

Preferred

• Experience working in behavioral health, addiction recovery, healthcare, or social services settings.
• Familiarity with therapeutic, wellness-based, or medically informed meal planning.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and kitchen equipment.

Core Competencies

• Compassion and emotional intelligence
• High ethical standards and professionalism
• Attention to detail and consistency
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Team-oriented leadership

Mission Alignment

At Plum Creek Recovery Ranch, the Head Chef plays a vital role in supporting recovery by providing nourishing meals that reinforce structure, self-care, and community. This position requires both culinary excellence and a genuine commitment to helping individuals rebuild healthy, sustainable lives.