BHA/Kitchen Support Specialist

Summary of Position:

The BHA/Kitchen Support Specialist is primarily responsible for the daily operation, cleanliness, organization, and food service needs of the facility kitchen. This position prepares and serves meals and snacks for clients, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, assists with inventory and meal planning, accommodates approved special dietary needs, and ensures the kitchen remains clean, organized, and compliant with facility requirements.

As a member of the residential team, the BHA/Kitchen Support Specialist will also provide Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) support to clients as needed. This includes maintaining a safe and supportive environment, assisting with daily client needs, monitoring client activity, and supporting the overall operations of the residential program.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, compassionate, and comfortable working with individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. The candidate must be able to balance primary kitchen responsibilities with BHA and client-support duties when needed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Kitchen & Food Service – Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily meals and snacks according to the facility's established meal schedule.
• Follow approved menus, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements.
• Accommodate approved special dietary needs of clients, including food allergies, dietary restrictions, medical diets, and cultural or religious dietary preferences, as communicated by the appropriate clinical or administrative staff.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served according to documented dietary requirements and that appropriate substitutions are provided when needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen at all times.
• Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and infection-control procedures.
• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food and supplies.
• Monitor refrigerator, freezer, and food storage areas.
• Check food products for expiration dates, quality, and proper storage.
• Maintain appropriate kitchen inventory and notify leadership when supplies need to be reordered.
• Assist with meal planning and communicate supply needs to leadership.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, counters, appliances, dishes, and food preparation areas.
• Properly dispose of trash and maintain appropriate waste-management procedures.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain kitchen documentation and logs as required.
• Assist with receiving and putting away food and supply deliveries.
• Ensure clients are provided meals in a timely and respectful manner.
• Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate interactions with clients while performing kitchen duties

When assigned BHA duties, the employee will:

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for clients.
• Monitor client activity and report safety concerns or behavioral changes to nursing or supervisory staff.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate client supervision according to program requirements.
• Support clients with daily living activities and program routines as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with nursing, clinical, and administrative staff.
• Assist with maintaining a clean and safe residential environment.
• Follow facility policies, procedures, and client confidentiality requirements.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established emergency procedures.
• Complete required documentation and shift reports.
• Maintain professional boundaries with all clients.
• Report incidents, safety concerns, contraband, or other significant observations to the appropriate staff member.