Chef / Cook

Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 68,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted gym membership

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging

Ongoing training and development

On-site car parking

Job summary

CatholicCare Cafe, operated by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning, seeks a Chef/Cook for a permanent part-time role. You will deliver high-quality meals, support the Head Chef with menus, manage stock, and ensure food safety standards in a community-focused cafe serving vulnerable groups.

You will collaborate with the Head Chef and Program Manager, train and mentor staff, and work flexible hours including some after-hours.

Qualifications

• Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Commercial Cookery or relevant qualification.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• NSW Driver Licence and Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain).
• Food Safety Supervisor Course or willingness to obtain.
• Cert IV Trainer and Assessor or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high quality, high-volume meals in a timely manner in accordance with Food Safety Standards.
• Support Head Chef with menus, profitability and kitchen operations.
• Order supplies and manage stock inventories.
• Ensure staff comply with safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Run the Café in Head Chef's absence and collaborate on café goals.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Administration

Collaboration

Flexibility

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or Diploma

Working With Children Check

Food Safety Supervisor Course

Cert IV Trainer and Assessor

Job description

Introduction

The Opportunity
CatholicCare is seeking a passionate and skilled Chef / Cook to join our team on a permanent part-time basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for reduced hours and greater work-life balance, whether you are managing school commitments or simply looking for the flexibility of part-time work. The role operates Monday to Friday, with minimal evening or weekend work. If you are passionate about food, take pride in delivering high-quality dining experiences and want to make a positive difference in our community, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits of Working with Us

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees).
• Salary packaging available.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
• Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program.
• Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.
• On-site car parking available

Description

Position Description

CatholicCare Cafe is a café owned and operated by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning. The CatholicCare Cafe operates Monday to Friday as well as hosting functions and conferences which operate some evenings. CatholicCare Cafe will be staffed by a professional chef and will employ vulnerable young people aged 15 and above as well as refugee’s and asylum seekers who undertake a traineeship as part of their employment. The Chef/Cook prepares high quality and high volume food in a timely manner and in accordance with Food Safety Standards. The Chef/Cook supports the Head Chef, or as requested work autonomously to prepare and design the café menus and function menus, considering the profitability and efficiency of each dish. Along with direct food preparation, the Chef/Cook supports the head chef to order and purchase supplies and take stock inventories. The Chef/Cook supports the Head Chef to ensure all staff comply with regulations and safety standards. The Chef/Cook runs the Café in the absence of the Head Chef and works in collaboration with the Head Chef to achieve the overarching goals and strategic direction of the Café. While the Chef/Cook is expected to be present during café operating hours, their work schedule is not strictly determined by these hours. The incumbent commits to working within Work Health and Safety guidelines and Code of Conduct at all times whilst in the employ of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Experience / Criteria

• A commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of our organisation and active engagement in organisational events.
• Demonstrated experience working as a Chef/Cook in venues which deliver consistently high-quality high volume food in a timely manner and in accordance with food safety standards.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and display patience and empathy towards the needs of people from vulnerable backgrounds.
• Demonstrated computer literacy with strong administration skills and time management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in ensuring safe food handling procedures are followed and a high level of cleanliness and hygiene of food preparation areas is maintained.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with the Head Chef and the Program Manager to align kitchen operations with the overarching goals of the social enterprise.
• Flexibility and commitment to working after hours, weekends and public holidays.

Qualifications

• Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Commercial Cookery or relevant qualification.
• Experience in a similar fast-paced environment which produces high volume food.
• NSW Driver Licence.
• A current Working With Children Check for paid employment or willingness to obtain.
• NSW Food Safety Supervisor Course or willingness to obtain.
• Cert IV Trainer and Assessor or willingness to obtain
• Ability to work in Australia.
• Previous experience training and mentoring young people and working with people from a vulnerable background (Desirable).
• An understanding of culturally aware work practices (Desirable).

Applications close 11:59pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.