Early Learning Centre Cook

YMCA Victoria; Pakenham Upper; On-site; AUD 37,000 - 53,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff perks: health insurance savings

Uniform provided

50% childcare discount

Career development opportunities

Free access to gyms and aquatic centre

Access to Virtual Y

Job summary

YMCA Victoria is seeking a Centre Cook at our Pakenham YMCA Early Learning Centre. This autonomous part-time role involves planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals for groups of children aged six weeks to five years, in a supportive team environment.

You will implement the Food Act 1984, follow the Food Safety Plan, maintain health regulations, and foster positive relationships with staff and families.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood/Children's Services required.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification required.
• Relevant Hospitality qualification preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification beneficial.
• Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting & Other Obligations Early Childhood training.
• National child safety training - Foundation training preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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

Education

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

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

Benefits

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!
• 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

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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