Opportunity Kitchen Sous Chef

Join a Mission-Driven Culinary Team

Columbia Ability Alliance is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to support daily culinary operations within Opportunity Kitchen. This is more than a kitchen job — it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, serve nutritious meals to individuals in recovery, and help maintain a structured, professional food service environment that supports healing and growth.

If you are a hands-on leader who values teamwork, food quality, and operational excellence, we want to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in daily meal production, staff supervision, and kitchen operations. Working closely with the Executive Training Chef, this position ensures meals are prepared safely, consistently, and in alignment with approved menus, dietary guidelines, and food safety standards.

The Sous Chef also serves as acting kitchen lead when assigned and provides guidance to cooks, dishwashers, and trainees to ensure efficient and professional kitchen operations.

This role additionally supports public and private catering events, assisting with food preparation, service, and professional representation of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary & Operations

• Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus, recipes, and portion standards
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and temperature standards are met
• Support breakfast, lunch, and dinner service operations
• Assist with inventory control, receiving, storage, and FIFO practices
• Maintain sanitation logs, cleaning schedules, and compliance documentation
• Monitor equipment condition and kitchen safety standards
• Serve as acting kitchen lead in the absence of the Executive Chef

Leadership & Team Support

• Supervise and support cooks, dishwashers, and trainees during assigned shifts
• Reinforce culinary techniques, food safety standards, and workplace expectations
• Provide clear direction to ensure timely meal service and workflow efficiency
• Support integration of trainees into the production environment

Catering & Special Events

• Prepare, cook, and package food for public and private events
• Assist with event setup, service, and breakdown
• Maintain food safety standards during off-site and on-site events
• Represent Columbia Ability Alliance professionally at public-facing events

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Culinary training or certificate preferred
• Washington State Food Handler’s Certificate (required or ability to obtain promptly)
• Minimum 2 years of managerial or team lead experience
• Minimum 2 years cooking or food service experience preferred
• Experience in healthcare, institutional, residential, or recovery-oriented environments preferred
• Experience in mentoring or supporting staff strongly desired

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Clear communication and organizational skills
• Comfort working in a structured, recovery-focused setting
• Flexibility to adjust priorities based on operational needs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working in a high-temperature kitchen environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Why Join Columbia Ability Alliance?

At Columbia Ability Alliance, we believe food service is more than production — it is part of building stability, skill development, and dignity for our customers, clients, and students. You will be part of a team that values professionalism, accountability, and mission-driven work.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on any status protected by federal, Washington State, or local law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.