Early Learning Centre Cook

YMCA Children's Programs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 18,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

50% childcare discount

Supportive management and leadership

Career development opportunities

Gym/rec/aquatics access across the Y

Virtual Y access

Job summary

YMCA Victoria operates Mernda ELC and is seeking a Centre Cook to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for groups of children from eight weeks to five years. This autonomous role requires independent work and teamwork within a busy early learning environment.

The position is permanent part-time (approx. 12 hours per week) with a base rate of $29.45 per hour plus superannuation and YMCA benefits; ACECQA qualifications may attract higher rates.

Qualifications

• Food Safety Supervisor certification required for safe kitchen operation.
• Hospitality qualification relevant to food service and care.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification is essential.
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis training where applicable.
• Protecing Children – Mandatory Reporting knowledge.
• National child safety Foundation training completed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for large groups of children.
• Implement the Food Act 1984 and follow the Food Safety Plan.
• Maintain kitchen standards to meet health and regulatory requirements.
• Develop positive working relationships with staff and families.

Education

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Relevant Hospitality qualification

First Aid and CPR certification

Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification

Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting

National child safety training - Foundation training

Job description

Our Vision is a better tomorrow where all people can belong. With over 5,000staff and volunteers, we deliver services at more than 150 locations every day, including: Children's Programs, Action Sports, Camps, Recreation, Youth Services and The Virtual Y.

YMCA Vic Early Learning Centres (ELC's) are safe, supportive spaces offering high quality early learning education and care for children aged six weeks to five years old.

About the role

The Centre Cook is responsible for the planning, provision and preparation of nutritious meals for the centre. This is an autonomous role and will require someone who is able to work independently and also within a team.

The role will require you to:

• Assist to Plan, prepare and serve a menu of nutritious and culturally appropriate meals that meet the needs of large groups and individual children aged from eight weeks
• Implement the Food Act 1984 and ensure all requirements of the Food Safety Plan are undertaken
• Maintain standards within the kitchen that meet Department of Health requirements and all other regulatory requirements
• To develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with all staff and the families

This is a permanent part-time position working approximately 12 hours per week (2 days) with a base rate of $29.45 per hour + Super & Y Benefits. Candidates who hold certain ACECQA approved qualifications in childcare may be offered a higher rate for this role.

We value you

At the YMCA, we value our people. Working for us means you’ll enjoy great work/life balance and a range of benefits such as:

• YMCA Victoria uniform provided
• 50% childcare discount
• Supportive Centre Manager and Early Years Director (2IC and EL)
• Opportunities for career development and growth across Children’s Programs and our wider organisation including Recreation, Camping, Youth Services and Kingswim
• Free access to gyms, recreation, and aquatics centres across the state
• Free access to the Virtual Y – online health and wellness

About the centre

Mernda ELC centre hours - 6.30 am - 6.30 pm

Qualifications

• Food Safety Supervisor certification
• Relevant Hospitality qualification
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting & Other Obligations Early Childhood
• National child safety training - Foundation training

Commitment to Child and Young People Safety

YMCA Victoria (the Y) has robust policies and practices to prevent harm to children and young people. The Y is committed to identifying and removing potential risks and hazards. All positions are subject to a satisfactory Police Check, Working with Children Check and a pre-employment medical declaration prior to commencement.

Y Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Y Victoria are proud to be a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to respond to every applicant.

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