Cook

BaptistCare NSW & ACT; Port Kembla; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Meal and entertainment card

Wellness programs and EAP

Job summary

BaptistCare HopeStreet is seeking a Cook at Port Kembla to prepare nutritious meals within budget and coordinate kitchen operations. You will contribute to safe, high-quality catering services and support volunteers to deliver dignified food service in a welcoming environment.

The role emphasizes compassion, teamwork, and attention to detail, with mentoring of volunteers and staff to ensure best practices in hygienic preparation and service.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or equivalent in hospitality/catering.
• Previous experience in commercial cooking.
• Demonstrated compassion and empathy towards marginalised individuals.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals within budget.
• Coordinate kitchen operations to ensure safety and quality.
• Mentor and support volunteers and colleagues in food service.

Skills

Compassion and empathy

Team coordination

Hygiene awareness

Education

Certificate III or equivalent in hospitality/catering

Job description

• (max-term), part-time opportunity until August 2028 ideal for individuals looking to gain valuable experience within a dynamic team
• Based at Port Kembla, offering 4 days a week – Monday to Thursday, 8:30AM to 2:30PM

About the Role:

At BaptistCare HopeStreet, we support people experiencing disadvantage or personal challenges. As a Cook, you will ensure clients receive nutritious meals within budget, coordinating kitchen operations to deliver high-quality, safe, and compliant catering services. Our team creates welcoming spaces where community thrives, walking alongside each person to provide practical, reliable support that empowers them to live well.

About you:

You are a people person who genuinely enjoys connecting with others and creating a welcoming environment. With a heart for serving the community, you take pride in preparing nutritious meals that not only nourish but also bring comfort to those in need.

You thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented setting, and your compassion, empathy, and attention to detail ensure every client feels valued.

Beyond your culinary skills, you are organised, proactive, and enjoy mentoring and supporting volunteers and colleagues to deliver high quality food services in a safe and respectful environment.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Certificate III or equivalent in hospitality/catering
• Previous experience in commercial cooking
• Demonstrated ability of compassion and empathy to marginalised society members

Essential Competencies

• Be able to work effectively with minimum supervision
• Ability to maintain hygienic conditions, store food safely and hygienically, monitor food quality at all stages and demonstrates work practices that meet HACCAP standards.
• Ability to coordinate kitchen staff and volunteers

Key Benefits:

• Salary packaging+ meal and entertainment card
• Financial, retail and lifestyle discounts and benefits
• Access to family friendly benefits like our wellness programs and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Independent confidential counselling service

About Us:

We are proud to be part of the merged care organisation that will be known nationally as BaptistCare. As a for purpose, Christian care organisation, we are committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together with Baptcare (VIC, TAS, SA) and Baptist Care SA we employ over 12,000 dedicated employees and support over 38,000 customers to help people live well with dignity and purpose. From older Australians and their families to people facing significant disadvantage, our passion and our priority are the customers we serve. We strive to deliver care as it should be – with people right at the centre.

All staff are required to work within our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks as part of our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people.

Please note: This position is being managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team. Unsolicited candidate profiles or CVs from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. Thank you.