Camp Assistant Head Chef

Position: Seasonal - Camp Assistant Head Chef

Seasonal: ($13k to $15k)

Location: Orefield

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. We want our clients and staff to feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and be empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

  • An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
  • Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
  • Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
  • Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
  • Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team
  • Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.

Essential Functions of the Camp Assistant Head Chef:

  • Meal Preparation, Batch Cooking, and Service:

Execute daily scratch and batch cooking, food preparation, plating, and service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for up to 150+ campers and staff daily. Maintain food quality, taste, temperature control, and presentation standards while ensuring meals are served on schedule.

  • Inventory Assistance, Stocking, and Receiving:

Assist the Head Chef with receiving food deliveries, inspecting shipments for quality and accuracy, stocking walk-in coolers/freezers, and maintaining proper FIFO (First-In, First-Out) stock rotation. Monitor daily inventory levels of food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies to help prevent shortages and minimize waste.

  • Special Dietary Accommodations and Food Safety:

Prepare dedicated, safe substitute meals and snacks for campers and staff with food allergies (e.g., gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free) and special dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, religious). Enforce strict sanitation standards, cross-contamination prevention, food safety practices, and temperature logging throughout the kitchen and dining facilities.

Core Functions of the Camp Assistant Head Chef:   

  • Shift Supervision & Team Guidance: Lead dining hall assistants and dishwasher staff during meal shifts; step in as acting kitchen lead during the Head Chef's scheduled days off or absence. 
  • Allergen & Cross-Contamination Management: Review daily camper allergy logs and strictly follow protocol when preparing allergen-free dishes in dedicated prep area. 
  • Kitchen Sanitation & Closing Routines: Oversee daily kitchen cleanup, dishwashing, workstation sanitization, trash removal, and end-of-day facility securing according to health department codes. 
  • Equipment Monitoring & Maintenance: Assist in operating and maintaining commercial kitchen equipment, recording temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers, and reporting any maintenance issues to the Head Chef. 

Minimum Qualifications of the Camp Assistant Head Chef:       

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in commercial cooking, food preparation, or institutional food service.
  • Active ServSafe Food Handler Certification (ServSafe Manager Certification preferred, or ability to obtain upon hire).
  • Solid understanding of commercial kitchen equipment, culinary prep techniques, and food safety standards.
  • Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to successfully pass all required PA background clearances (PA Child Abuse clearance, PA Criminal History check, and FBI Fingerprinting.

    • Physical Requirements of the Camp Assistant Head Chef:

    • Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, and perform continuous physical labor for up to 8–10 hours per shift during peak summer camp operations; ability to lift and carry food cases, pots, and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
    • Kitchen Environment: Regular exposure to heat from ovens, grills, and steam tables, as well as wet/slippery floors, dishroom humidity, and cold environments (walk-in coolers and freezers).
    • Flexible Hours: Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak camp and retreat seasons.

    **If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.


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