Find & Apply For Chef Jobs in Frederick, Colorado

Ascend Healthcare is seeking an experienced and dependable Private Chef to manage food service for our adolescent residential program in Colorado. This position is responsible for planning and preparing nutritious, appealing meals and snacks for approximately 15 people while maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming kitchen environment. The Private Chef will collaborate with a registered dietitian to develop balanced menus that accommodate documented allergies, medical restrictions, cultural or religious dietary practices, and individual food preferences. The ideal candidate is organized, creative, knowledgeable about food safety, and comfortable working independently in a residential behavioral-health setting. Key Responsibilities Develop menus at least two weeks in advance in collaboration with a registered dietitian. Prepare, cook, set up, and present three nutritious meals and required snacks each day for approximately 15 people. Prepare meals for special occasions, program activities, and events as needed. Accommodate documented allergies, medical restrictions, and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and halal preferences. Maintain awareness of each client's dietary requirements and promptly communicate any nutrition-related concerns. Purchase and order food, kitchen supplies, and other necessary items. Manage inventory, inspect deliveries, maintain appropriate stock levels, and reduce unnecessary food waste. Label, date, rotate, store, and discard food in accordance with food-safety requirements and FIFO practices. Prevent cross-contamination and appropriately separate raw foods, prepared foods, allergens, and other designated items. Monitor and document refrigeration, freezer, food-holding, and sanitation temperatures. Maintain a clean, sanitary, organized, and fully stocked kitchen. Secure knives and other potentially hazardous kitchen tools in accordance with facility procedures. Monitor kitchen equipment and promptly report maintenance, sanitation, or supply concerns. Maintain a respectful and trauma-informed meal environment when interacting with adolescents, families, and staff. Participate in required training, inspections, food-safety monitoring, and quality-improvement activities. Travel locally for approved purchasing or other program needs when required. Qualifications High school diploma or GED preferred. Culinary school completion or comparable culinary training preferred. At least two years of professional cooking experience in a restaurant, residential, institutional, private-chef, kitchen, or sous-chef setting preferred. Experience with menu planning, food purchasing, inventory management, cooking, baking, and food presentation. Knowledge of nutrition, food allergies, special diets, and cross-contamination prevention. Ability to prepare a broad range of meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, breakfast items, baked goods, and other dishes. Must complete a Colorado-recognized or state-approved food-handler course before beginning food-service duties or within 30 days of hire. Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, screenings, clearances, orientation, and role-specific training. Basic computer proficiency for menus, ordering, logs, email, and documentation. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation if local purchasing or driving is assigned. Strong judgment, communication, organization, discretion, and dependability. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with program leadership, clinical staff, and a registered dietitian. Physical and Scheduling Requirements Ability to stand and walk for more than four hours per day. Ability to bend, reach, carry, and handle items weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to work safely around heat, steam, sharp tools, hot surfaces, cleaning products, and other common kitchen hazards. Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on program and meal-service needs. About Ascend Healthcare Ascend Healthcare provides compassionate, comprehensive behavioral-health services for adolescents and their families. Our team is committed to creating safe, structured, and supportive environments where young people can heal, develop healthy habits, and build meaningful connections.

Pay:

$28.00 - $35.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person