Sous Chef (NYC)

Release Recovery is committed to supporting healing and wellness through exceptional care - and that includes our culinary experience. We believe that food is a vital part of the recovery journey, and we are looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our kitchen team and work directly alongside our Executive Chef to deliver thoughtful, nutritious, and quality meals.

This is a unique opportunity for a skilled and reliable Sous Chef to operate in a focused, two-person kitchen environment. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef on all aspects of kitchen operations - from prep to execution - ensuring consistency, quality, and creativity in every dish. Willing to do all jobs in the kitchen.

Founded in 2017 by Zac Clark and Matthew Rinklin, Release Recovery is a leading provider of transitional living, outpatient treatment, and recovery support services for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. With programs throughout New York City and Westchester County, we are committed to offering compassionate, structured, and evidence-based care that empowers individuals and families to heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Support & Execution

• Assist the Executive Chef with daily meal preparation and menu execution, ensuring meals meet program standards for nutrition, balance, and taste.
• Contribute ideas for new menu items that align with our health-forward, recovery-supportive philosophy.
• Step in to lead kitchen operations when the Executive Chef is unavailable.

Kitchen Operations & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen in line with food safety, health, and sanitation standards.
• Monitor proper storage and labeling of ingredients, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste.
• Support inventory management and ordering in collaboration with the Executive Chef.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef, residential staff, and program leadership to align meal preparation with client schedules and needs.
• Communicate clearly in a small-team environment, offering flexibility to adapt to changing needs (e.g., house events, dietary preferences, seasonal menus).

Client & Event Support

• Occasionally work weekends or evenings for special events or celebrations within the program.
• Contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive kitchen environment where food supports both physical health and emotional healing.

• Previous sous chef or line cook experience preferred; culinary background required.
• Culinary certification or formal training is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
• Passion for health-forward, recovery-supportive cooking and an understanding of food as part of holistic healing.
• Emotional intelligence, patience, and a team-oriented mindset.

Joining our team means being part of something truly revolutionary. We’re on a mission to flip the script on how the world views and treats Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness. At Release, recovery isn’t about what you give up - it’s all about what you gain.

When you join our team, you’ll:

• Make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through food
• Enjoy a competitive annual salary of $68,000-$73,000 based on experience
• Have access to health benefits (health, dental, vision)
• Have a predictable Monday–Friday schedule with occasional weekends
• Enjoy a calm, respectful work environment with a focus on quality and care

We believe that recovery is a journey, not a destination - and we want you to be a part of shaping that journey for others.