Manager of Food Services

Position Summary

The Manager of Food Services at Ava Health leads the organization’s food and nutrition strategy across all locations, including residential, outpatient, and recovery housing environments. This position is essential to ensuring that food-related services reflect Ava Health’s core values of Agency, Service, and Purpose, and exceed compliance standards for safety, health, and innovation. The role extends beyond traditional food preparation, incorporating training, programming, and workforce development into a broader vision of food as community care.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all food service operations across the following Ava Health locations:
  
  
  
  • Molina Residential Center
  
  
  • Crossroads Outpatient Center
  
  
  • Three (3) Recovery Housing Sites
  
  
  
  


• Develop and manage inventory control and ordering systems


• Ensure cleaning and maintenance routines meet compliance standards and internal expectations


• Act as liaison between Ava Health and food/supply vendors, maintaining relationships and ensuring reliable service


• Design and lead food-related programming, including cooking classes, nutrition education, and wellness-focused food initiatives


• Collaborate with COO and CEO to support Ava Health’s participation in community events involving food and hospitality


• Support client vocational growth by providing supervised workforce opportunities within food services, both during treatment and post-discharge


• Assist in facility and operational food service planning as Ava Health expands across the state and nationally


• Ensure all food services meet or exceed standards set by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), and local health departments


• Contribute to internal staff training efforts on topics related to health, hygiene, and food safety


• Supervise and provide direction to all food service staff and other team members participating in ancillary food-related duties (e.g., receiving, heating, and serving food)


• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance oversight for direct service food staff

Skills and Competencies

• Commitment to Ava Health’s core values of Agency, Service, and Purpose


• Strong leadership, planning, and team-building capabilities


• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to develop systems that scale with growth


• Knowledge of culturally responsive and inclusive food practices


• Ability to mentor staff and model professional, ethical, and values-driven behavior


• Comfortable working across multiple program types and geographic locations


• Skilled in conflict resolution, communication, and collaborative leadership

Required Qualifications

• Management ServSafe Certification


• 3+ years of experience managing food service operations in residential, healthcare, or hospitality environments


• Experience supervising teams and maintaining regulatory compliance in food service environments


• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between Ava Health sites as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and leading vocational or culinary training programs


• Familiarity with Joint Commission standards and Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) compliance


• Background in recovery-based or trauma-informed environments

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs


• Work takes place in kitchens, food storage areas, and program facilities


• Requires regular travel between Ava Health locations

Food is more than nutrition—it’s care, connection, and culture. This role helps bring those values to life across Ava Health.