Early Learning Centre Cook

YMCA Children's Programs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 37,000 - 53,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance savings

Discounted cinema tickets

Workplace banking benefits

Gym and aquatics access across the Y

Virtual Y access

Job summary

Pakenham YMCA is seeking a Centre Cook for a permanent part-time role in Melbourne. You will plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for children from eight weeks, while complying with Food Act 1984 and Health Department standards.

The role requires independent work within a team, with focus on positive relationships with staff and families and adherence to safety and regulatory requirements. The position is based in a YMCA Early Learning Centre offering a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood/Children’s services.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification.
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting & Other Obligations Early Childhood.
• National child safety training - Foundation training.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and serve a menu of nutritious and culturally appropriate meals for large groups of 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 other regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with staff and families.

Skills

Nutritious meals planning

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood/Children’s services

Food Safety Supervisor certification

First Aid and CPR certification

Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification

Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting & Other Obligations

National child safety training - Foundation training

Job description

Our Vision is a better tomorrow where all people can belong. With over 5,000 staff 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 opportunity with an hourly rate from $32.47, based on the qualifications you hold within the early learning sector.

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:

• Enjoy great staff perks, including savings on health insurance, discounted cinema tickets & access to workplace banking benefits!
• 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

Pakenham YMCA is an ‘exceeding’ rated 104 place Early Learning Centre that operates 5 days per week, 6.30am-6.00pm. Working in alignment with YMCA Victoria’s philosophy, our centre prides itself on creating calm and engaging learning environments where children are offered high quality educational programs. We provide children with a purpose-built early learning centre to instill a love of learning, nurture curiosity and help children reach their full potential, providing everything they need to play, learn and thrive throughout the day.

Qualifications and Licences

• Certificate III or Diploma in Early - Childhood/Children’s services
• 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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