• Permanent, part-time (0.8 FTE) opportunity for a Food Services Assistant/Cook at a 24/7 AOD Rehabilitation Facility.
• Located 10 minutes from Pakenham on a 40-acre property with beautiful, serene landscapes.
• 30.4 hours per week – working 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

Windana. Providing connected services to more people in need.

We provide services across Victoria for adults and young people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms, family violence, mental health challenges and social disadvantage. Our Model of Care puts clients at the centre of what we do to create positive change in people's lives. We work with families, communities and other organisations to deliver trauma informed, equitable, culturally safe and integrated services based on evidence and practice wisdom.

About the Program

Maryknoll Therapeutic Community (MTC) is a 77-bed facility that provides a safe space for residents to recover and heal by exploring their own life experiences and learning from the experience and insights of others.

About the role

The Food Services Assistant works alongside the Community Chef to provide nutritious meals of the highest quality standard to residents of Maryknoll Therapeutic Community in line with the Food as Medicine guidelines. The Food Services Assistant/Cook ensures proper food handling, sanitation and support the smooth operation of the kitchen.

• Provide seasonal meals in line with the Windana Food as Medicine Menu.
• Ensure food handling is performed according to food safety guidelines.
• Prepare and present meals in accordance to the menu plan.
• Facilitate overall kitchen hygiene and waste disposal.
• Attend to cleaning schedule for the purpose of maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen and adhere to infection control processes.
• Ensure utensils and kitchen equipment are cleaned and maintained as per manufacturers’ standards and per User Manual.
• Assist with Stock control and inventory.
• Assist the Chef and the team with catering.
• Support the Chef and Team Leader of Works & Operations with the implementation of the Resident Kitchen Induction Program.
• Be a role model for the residents of the Therapeutic Community and provide guidance to resident team in relation to food safety handling techniques, cleaning duties and overall professional culinary services.

What we're looking for

• Trade qualification (Cert IV in Commercial Cookery, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated Experience Working as a Food Services Assistant and/or Cook, preferably in a residential care environment.
• Excellent organisational skills, communication skills and the ability to work within a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm, take instruction and deliver quality meals within strict timeframes.
• Excellent working knowledge in food preparation and kitchen equipment.
• Self-motivation and the ability to identify and complete needed tasks without direct supervision.
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement and OHS.
• A passion for cooking and creating hearty, healthy meals.
• Understanding of, and / or experience with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Ideally an ability to incorporate seasonal produce from our organic vegetable gardens.
• Willingness to obtain Food Safety Supervisor qualification.

The Team

We're a friendly, passionate, dynamic bunch of individuals that value continuous improvement and collaboration. We support growth and foster an inclusive and diverse workplace with a strong commitment to gender equality, wellbeing and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Ready to join us?

Be quick! Applications will be reviewed as soon as they land on our desks so apply today if you're interested.