Head Cook

At Servants Community Housing, meals are more than food — they're moments of warmth, belonging and stability for people who've often lived without these for years. Many of our residents are rebuilding their lives after trauma, homelessness, mental ill-health or isolation. A home-cooked meal, offered with respect, can be one of the first steady, caring experiences they've had in a long time.

As our Cook, you won't be hidden in the kitchen. You'll work and chat, preparing the evening meal for around 25 residents who genuinely appreciate your presence. You'll see their faces, hear their stories, and know that your work matters in ways most hospitality roles can't offer.

You'll plan menus, order food, manage dietary needs and create meals that feel comforting and familiar. You'll also help hold together the rhythm of the house — ensuring the kitchen is safe, calm and welcoming, even on challenging days. Our live-in managers and supportive team are only ever a phone call away, and you'll be part of a small group of cooks who share ideas, support each other and meet regularly.

This role is perfect for someone who wants their skills to mean something: someone who cooks with care, values people, and understands that dignity is created in small, daily moments. You don't need fine-dining experience — just competence, heart and the ability to work calmly and independently.

If you're looking for work where your food brings comfort, your presence brings connection, and your day ends knowing you've made life a little easier for someone doing it tough, this role will give you that purpose every single shift.

Designation

Casual with option for Part - Time

Hours of work - 5 shifts from the following timetable:

Dinner shifts

Monday to Friday: Approximately 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Sunday: 4:30pm – 6:30 pm

Breakfast shift - one per week

Our weekly cooked breakfast is a special treat for our residents.

8:00am – 10:00am - days vary across our 3 houses.

Accountable to

Kitchen Manager

Remuneration

Hospitality Industry Award

Level 3 or 4, depending on experience

Superannuation

Salary packing benefit up to $15,900

Annual leave loading for Permanent Part Time

Primary Locations

Kew or Hawthorn. Close to public transport. On site parking available.

About you:

Perhaps you have worked for years in a fine dining restaurant but would now like to cook for people that have never had that experience? You will definitely be someone that cares for people and has a deep desire to work for a Not For Profit organisation so that you can help others.

Ideally, you will fulfil the following criteria:

• Minimum 2 years experience in commercial kitchen environment

• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

• Ability to work respectfully with people experiencing disadvantage, mental illness or trauma

• Effective time management and organisational skills, including budget and stock control

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with residents

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced kitchen

• Intermediate computer skills, including the ability to create and edit tables in Microsoft Word and Excel

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, support staff, and residents

• Commitment to Servants' values of respect, dignity, community and purpose

Desirable

• First Aid Certificate

• Driver's licence

• Flexibility to work occasional weekend shifts or breakfasts

• Experience or volunteer work in a community, social services, or housing context

• Understanding of trauma-informed practice (training provided if needed)

Mandatory Requirements

• Ability to pass a national police clearance

• Working With Children Check

• Australian working rights

Development and Support

• Participation in Cooks team catch-ups and internal training sessions

• Access to live-in managers and operations team for on-site support

• Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

Please email me and provide information about why you are attracted by the role. Apologies, but we will not respond to applications unless they demonstrate that you have read the position description carefully.

For further information, please contact our CEO, Amanda Donohoe, at or

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position may be filled quickly — early applications are encouraged.