Mental Health Professional- Culinary Unit
1173 North Ridge Road, Lorain, OH, USA
Description
Gathering Hope House is seeking a dedicated mental health professional to serve as a Hospitality Program Generalist. This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys blending therapeutic engagement with culinary arts and values meaningful relationships with adults living with mental illness. The position involves working in the Hospitality Unit in the mornings: assisting members in meal preparation and food service along side kitchen staff: and transitioning to general program support in the afternoons, working side-by-side with members across various work units.
Work Environment:
We operate within the Clubhouse model, a non-clinical, community-based approach to mental health that is fundamentally different from traditional service settings. This is not a role where you sit behind a desk—staff work side-by-side with members throughout the day, whether in the kitchen, at the computer, or in maintenance and outreach tasks. Staff are not supervisors or case managers; they are equal partners in a shared, work-ordered community. There are no “clients” here—only members who help run the organization. This model fosters genuine relationships, peer leadership, and an inclusive environment where everyone’s strengths are recognized, valued, and actively engaged.
Primary Responsibilities:
Work Environment:
We operate within the Clubhouse model, a non-clinical, community-based approach to mental health that is fundamentally different from traditional service settings. This is not a role where you sit behind a desk—staff work side-by-side with members throughout the day, whether in the kitchen, at the computer, or in maintenance and outreach tasks. Staff are not supervisors or case managers; they are equal partners in a shared, work-ordered community. There are no “clients” here—only members who help run the organization. This model fosters genuine relationships, peer leadership, and an inclusive environment where everyone’s strengths are recognized, valued, and actively engaged.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide supportive mental health interventions through structured work-ordered day activities, including meal planning, preparation, and service.
- Engage members in therapeutic, skill-building interactions that promote socialization, independence, and recovery.
- Facilitate a safe, inclusive, and empowering kitchen environment that fosters creativity, dignity, and teamwork.
- Collaborate with members and staff to plan menus, order supplies, and maintain food safety standards.
- Support members in setting and achieving personal vocational, social, and wellness goals.
- Facilitate engagement across various work units, including clerical, maintenance and wellness activities.
- Provide one-on-one and group interventions that support member recovery, socialization, and skill-building.
- Collaborate with members on goal development, pre-vocational exploration, and daily participation in Gathering Hope House operations.
- Assist with documentation of member engagement, progress, and participation in line with program standards.
- Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing Clubhouse programming.
Requirements
- Associate’s Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related behavioral health discipline.
- Experience working with adults diagnosed with mental illness or co-occurring disorders.
- Ability to build and maintain therapeutic relationships in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented environment.
- Interest or experience in cooking; Willingness to obtain ServSafe certification
- Strong multitasking, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to model teamwork and self-initiative within a flexible, member-led environment.
- Competence in using basic computer programs and maintaining electronic documentation.
- Must pass a BCI/FBI background check prior to hire
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Minor violations may disqualify a candidate.
Compensation
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within a supportive, mission-driven agency
- Compensation: Up to $20.00/hour based on experience.
- Schedule: Day Shift, Part-Time (approximately 20–25 hours per week)
Benefits
- Paid time off and holiday benefits
Equal Opportunity
Gathering Hope House is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.
