Chef

Doutta Galla; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Supportive team culture

Training and career development

Well-equipped aged care home

Safe & flexible workplace

Job summary

Doutta Galla Aged Services is seeking a passionate and qualified Chef with experience in aged care to join our dedicated team on a casual basis. You will play a key role in enhancing residents’ daily living through nutritious, appetising meals and high food-service standards.

You will ensure compliance with food-safety and accreditation requirements (HACCP, IDDSI, Aged Care Standards), supervise kitchen operations, manage menus, dietary needs, procurement and budgeting, and support a positive

Qualifications

• Trade qualified Chef or equivalent with proper certification.
• Current Food Handling/Food Safety Certificate.
• Knowledge of IDDSI standard and Aged Care Standards.
• Experience in menu planning and food preparation.
• Experience in supervising staff or leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals aligned with approved menus and resident dietary needs.
• Deliver high-standard, customer-focused service and cater for functions and events.
• Maintain food quality, presentation and service standards; participate in audits and accreditation processes.
• Supervise kitchen operations, including rostering, training and performance support.
• Ensure HACCP and WHS compliance; maintain safe food handling practices.
• Manage procurement, supplier relationships, stock control and budgeting.

Skills

Trade qualified Chef

Interpersonal skills

Supervisor experience

Staff management

MS Word/Excel

Education

Food Handling/Food Safety Certificate

Job description

We are seeking a passionate and qualified Chef with experience in Aged Care.

We have a great opportunity for a Chef to join our dedicated team at Doutta Galla Aged Services on casual basis, where every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our residents.

About the role:

As a Chef, you will play a key role in enhancing residents’ daily living experience through food.

In this rewarding role you are committed to providing high quality, nutritious and appropriate meal services to all residents, with responsibility for maintaining excellence in food service standards, compliance with all relevant regulations and accreditation standards, and ensuring a high level of satisfaction to our delightful residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage planning, preparation, and delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals aligned with approved menus and individual resident special dietary needs (e.g. texture-modified, diabetic, allergy-friendly meals).
• Deliver a high standard of customer-focused service, supporting resident choice, satisfaction, and catering for functions and special events.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and service standards, driving continuous improvement and participating in audits and accreditation processes.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen operations, including staff rostering, training, performance support, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Ensure full compliance with infection control protocols and food safety standards, including HACCP and safe food handling practices.
• Manage procurement, supplier relationships, stock control, and budgeting to ensure efficient and cost-effective kitchen operations.
• Maintain a safe and compliant workplace by enforcing Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and proactively managing risks and hazards.
• Support organisational compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards, contributing to resident wellbeing, safety, and quality of life.

What you will bring:

• Trade qualified Chef or equivalent experience.
• Current Food Handling/Food Safety Certificate.
• Confident with the IDDSI standard and the Aged Care New Strengthened Standard and the requirement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Food Safety regulations, guidelines, standards, and relevant legislation.
• Relevant experience in menu and food preparation.
• Experience in a supervisory role or similar managing staff.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently within specific guidelines.
• Commitment to the provision of high quality, nutritious and appetizing food and beverages
• A strong sense of pride and accomplishment in service delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to motivate and engage staff.

About Us:

Doutta Galla Aged Services is a not-for-profit aged care organisation with over 30 years’ experience caring for people from all backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just words – they shape the everyday experience for our residents and staff. At Doutta Galla, we foster a genuine culture of care - not only for our residents/clients but for the people who care for them. You’ll find a workplace where you are supported, heard, and empowered to thrive.

This isn't just a job – it's an opportunity to be part of something meaningful! Every day, you'll have the chance to brighten someone's day, support their independence, and contribute to a caring community where respect and dignity are at the heart of everything we do.

Why Join Us?

• Salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay.
• Supportive and inclusive team culture.
• Rewarding career opportunities with ongoing training and career development.
• Well-equipped aged care home with a focus on quality care.
• Safe & flexible workplace with healthy work life balance

Doutta Galla prides itself on cultural diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer; all applicants will be considered for employment. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and eligible to work in Aged Care under the Aged Care Act 2024 (Cth).