Residential Rehabilitation Centre Cook

About Ngwala

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About the Role

The role of the Residential Rehabilitation Cook is to manage all aspects of food delivery to Ngwala clients.

Our cooks are expected to provide high quality, varied, nutritious meals in a safe and hygienic environment,

whilst catering to individual dietary and cultural requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine the quantity of food required to prepare a meal for clients
• Plan and prepare meals within a set budget
• Plan meals (substitute foods) to meet the individual dietary and cultural requirements of all clients.
• Purchase fresh foods and supplies weekly or as required for meal preparation.
• Check menu for the next day and ensure food items (such as meat) are transferred to the fridge.
• Store food appropriately and ensure all food is dated, covered and labelled (eg: 'left overs')
• Handle, store and prepare all food and beverage items in hygienic and safe manner in accordance with established health and safety standards (eg: HACCP Food Safety).
• Serve menu items attractively and at an appropriate temperature.
• Implement proper procedures to keep the kitchen (surfaces, cupboards, equipment, utensils, etc) clean and achieve optimal infection control.
• Wash pots, pans and utensils and/or use the dishwasher.
• Purchase and ensure the kitchen is stocked with adequate cleaning materials (dishwashing liquid, sponges, etc.
• Ensure all equipment and utensils are maintained in good working order and report any defects to the House Manager
• Maintain stock control records.
• Provide purchasing records and hand over unspent cash to the Finance Team.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in cooking for clients, ideally in a residential setting
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history and/or culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community
• Ability to provide varied and nutritional menus and knowledge of kitchen maintenance procedures
• Responsiveness to client individualistic dietary and cultural requirements
• Understanding and commitment to health and safety practices
• Organisational and time management skills
• Ability to self-manage, work independently with minimal supervision within defined guidelines, and
• as a team member.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Victorian driver's licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

What We Offer

• Part Time role, 16 hours per week
• SCHADS Social & Community Services Level 1
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

For further information, please contact

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.