The cook is responsible for managing daily kitchen operations in an aged care environment, ensuring the preparation and delivery of nutritious, high- quality meals that meet the dietary needs of residents and community clients. This role involves maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, managing kitchen inventory and supplies, and coordinating with care staff to support individual dietary requirements. The Cook will also provide guidance to kitchen assistants and contribute to a warm, home-like dining experience for all clients. 

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• To support the Catering Manger and/or Chef in managing the kitchen
• To be as efficient and economic as possible, while maintaining a high standard of meal variety, quality and presentation
• Comply with legislation, including Aged Care Standards and food regulations and HACCP regulations 
• Liaise with other managers in a flexible and cooperative manager regarding catering services 
• In consultation with Catering Manager and/or Chef implement new menus items and follow set menus
• To ensure that all Occupational Health and Safety Policies are adhered to
• Maintain a high standard of resident nutritional care, prepare special diets following consultation with the Catering Manager/Chef and the dietician.
• Responsible for preparing and serving meals in an appealing and appetising manner
• Support the Catering Manager and/or Chef implement and maintain in continuous quality improvement activities and any risk or hazards in the workplace and fill in risk/hazard forms
• Identify any risk or hazards in the workplace and fill in risk/hazard forms
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required
• Participate in annual performance appraisals 
• Support the Chef to maintain stock control and goods rotation with strict storage control
• Support the Catering Manager and/or Chef in menu planning and review, including special food menus
• Supervision of the catering team in the absence of the Catering Manager and/or Chef 
• To report any equipment/maintenance requirements
• Actively promote Occupational Health, Safety and Rehabilitation policies, practices and procedures 

Professional Qualifications, Experience and Skills 

• Recognised Trade Certificate/Post Trade Certificate 
• Demonstrated problem solving, prioritisation and communication skills
• Ability to operate independently and under limited supervision
• Experience working within a flexible, multi-skilled team environment with advanced interpersonal, communications and client service skills
• Ability to follow direction of Catering Manager and/or Chef while performing duties 
• Previous experience supervising staff
• Experience implementing Quality Care Systems 
• Understanding of Aged Care Quality Standards and compliance requirements 
• Excellent written and verbal skills including working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders 

Mandatory Requirements 

• NDIS worker screening clearance 
• NDIS worker orientation module - ‘Quality, Safety & You’
• Right to work in Australia