Chef

Casual Chef

Are you passionate about food and committed to making a positive difference in people's lives?

At Southern Cross Care Tasmania, we know a good meal is never just a meal it's comfort, dignity, and one of the real highlights of the day for the residents we serve. We're on the hunt for flexible, dedicated Chefs who take pride in cooking meals people genuinely look forward to, to join our team and bring that joy to our Northern residential aged care sites.

The Opportunity

We have a Casual Chef opportunity available within our Northern Region.

This unique dual-role position requires someone who is flexible and willing to work across our Northern facilities, including:

• Glenara Lakes, Youngtown
• Mount Esk, Launceston
• Ainslie, Low Head

In this role, you'll work closely with the Head Chef to deliver a high-quality catering service, ensuring meals are prepared, presented, and served in line with dietary requirements, accreditation standards, and resident preferences.

You will undertake both Chef and Food Services Assistant duties, supporting kitchen operations, meal preparation, food service, and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, is adaptable, and is willing to travel between sites to support operational requirements.

This is more than a cooking role you'll play a key part in enhancing the wellbeing and daily experience of our residents through food and service.

Key Responsibilities

Chef Duties

• Prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals in line with set menus and dietary requirements.
• Support menu planning, including therapeutic and culturally appropriate diets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Monitor stock levels, manage supplies, and assist with ordering.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to improve kitchen performance and service delivery.
• Ensure meals are delivered on time and meet resident expectations.
• Support and guide catering staff to promote efficient and safe work practices.
• Contribute ideas to enhance menus, processes, and the overall dining experience.

Food Services Assistant Duties

• Assist with meal preparation, plating, and meal service.
• Support kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, and sanitisation processes.
• Ensure food handling practices comply with food safety requirements.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Provide respectful and friendly service to residents.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly across Glenara Lakes (Youngtown), Mount Esk (Launceston) and Ainslie (Low Head) as required.
• Support a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace health and safety standards.

About You

You are an experienced, organised, and adaptable hospitality professional who thrives in a team environment and takes pride in delivering consistently high standards.

You will bring:

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar Chef role.
• Certificate III (or higher) in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and food safety standards.
• Experience in menu planning, stock control, and budget management.
• Ability to lead, support, and coordinate catering staff.
• Willingness to undertake both Chef and Food Services Assistant responsibilities.
• Flexibility to work across multiple Northern Tasmania sites as required.
• Understanding of therapeutic and culturally diverse dietary needs.