Cook (Vocational Instructor) - Acmena Youth Justice Centre, Youth Justice

Cook (Vocational Instructor) –

Acmena Youth Justice Centre,

Youth Justice

• Temporary Full time up to 6 months
• Location: Grafton
• Level 1 -2 Salary ($71,777 - $82,329 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment.

While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent. This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work

with this community.

Your role

Order, store, produce and distribute nutritious meals for all young people and frontline staff in an efficient manner. This includes adhering to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Australia and Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards and guidelines.

What you'll do

• Check the cleanliness and safe operation of equipment and premises before use to ensure safety and a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness is maintained throughout the kitchen in compliance with WHS regulations and HACCP standards.

• Maintain the kitchen, equipment, and organise repair of ovens, hotplates, grills and similar equipment when required.

• Plan menus, estimate and order fresh food supplies and cook and prepare a selection of nutritious hot and cold meals for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, incorporating cultural and dietary needs as required by staff and young people.

• Monitor the quality of food at all stages of preparation and presentation.

• Ensure all perishable and non-perishable food items are stored in a safe manner and carry out good food management, temperature controls and HACCP documentation according to current regulations.

• Ensure correct personal protective equipment is used at all times in line with WHS and HACCP standards

• Develop, design, deliver and evaluate a vocational program of their profession to provide vocational training to detainees in a set area.

• Provide supervision, control and discipline for detainees during vocational programs to ensure all equipment is appropriately used and stored, and the safety, security and wellbeing of detainees and staff is maintained.

What we're looking for

For Vocational Instructors (Cook) Level 1, Years 1 – 2, relevant experience for the role is required

NOTE: To progress to Level 2, Years 1 – 4, a TAFE Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) or equivalent, formerly called Certificate II in Commercial Cookery, and Train Small Groups qualification or equivalent.

• Trade qualifications or trade equivalent skills as a Cook, HACCP qualifications are preferred
• HACCP qualifications including current Food Safety Supervisors Certificate
• Weekend work will be required
• Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance
• Possession of "Provide First Aid"' (HLTAID0011) or equivalent

Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:

• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014

Download the role description.

If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the 'Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close Sunday 16 November 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Molitika Siu via

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith on or via

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

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