Centre Cook

Government schools; Shire of Baw Baw; On-site; AUD 36,000 - 47,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wage protection via Commonwealth grant

Job summary

The Department of Education Victoria is recruiting a Part-time Centre Cook (0.6FTE) for Early Learning Victoria at Newborough centre, opening in 2027. The role focuses on nutritious, culturally appropriate meals for children, with family-friendly hours across five days.

Responsibilities include menu planning, dietary accommodations, food procurement within budget, and maintaining a compliant, safe kitchen; you must hold Food Handling and Food Safety qualifications, WWCC, and be willing to obtain

Qualifications

• Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificates.
• Valid Working with Children Check and Protecting Children training (or willingness to obtain).
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Agreement to a police check; international check if lived outside Australia for 12+ months in last 10 years.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children per policy.
• Meet individual dietary requirements and cultural needs.
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock within budget.
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies.
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment; escalate concerns as required.

Skills

Cook experience

High-volume meals

Food safety knowledge

Dietary diversity

Communication skills

Education

Certificate in Food Handling

Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Working with Children Check

First Aid training

Police check (international if applicable)

Job description

Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines ). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected] Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

About Early Learning Victoria Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is leading the roll-out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of child safety. ELV is approved for the Commonwealth Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role Opening in 2027 and co-located with Newborough Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Newborough (interim name) is a 130-place centre and will provide long day care, three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs. This centre is located 141KMs from Melbourne and 36KMS from Warragul.

Part-time Centre Cook, (0.6FTE) – family friendly hours available over 5 days.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety policy
• Ensure all food is prepared to meet individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community
• Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements
• Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies
• Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required

More information about this role can be found HERE.

About You

• Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef, providing high-volume, nutritious meals in a timely manner
• Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and food handling and hygiene requirements
• Ability to cater for a diverse range of dietary, allergy and cultural requirements
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities

Qualifications and Experience

• Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate
• Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Robyn Dixon, Centre Director on [email protected] Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. Our Staff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory. The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions, visit the Department website