Chef

At Torbay Lifestyles & Care, located a mere stone's throw from the scenic Torquay Beach in Hervey Bay, we offer a compassionate environment focused on the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of residents through residential aged care and an independent lifestyle village. Our community values integrity, independence, and choice, enhancing life for residents and families. The position includes a competitive hourly rate and benefits such as:
• Up to $18,550 tax-exempt salary packaging.
• Discounts through a rewards program.
• Ongoing professional development.
• Employee assistance for you and your family.
• Supportive environment promoting work-life balance.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Duties & Responsibilities

•  Plans, prepares, cooks and presents meals for residents in accordance with individualised care plans, dietary requirements, and texture-modified food guidelines (IDDSI framework);

•  Prepares nutritious, resident-centred meals that meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the nutritional standards required under the Aged Care Quality Standards;

•  Operates within established recipes, menus and production schedules developed by the senior chef or food services supervisor;

•  Ensures all food preparation and handling complies with the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Safety Standards and Torbay's Food Safety Program;

•  Maintains accurate temperature records, HACCP logs, and food safety documentation;

•  Assists in planning menus that account for residents' cultural, religious and personal food preferences;

•  Assists in stock management, including ordering, receiving and rotating food supplies in line with budgetary guidelines;

•  Maintains kitchen cleanliness, equipment hygiene and safety standards;

•  Works collaboratively with care staff, dietitians and speech pathologists to ensure dietary modifications are correctly implemented;

•  Assists and may informally guide kitchen assistants and food services assistants in daily tasks.

Qualifications & Experience

•  Trade qualification (Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent) and relevant experience required;

•  Food Safety Supervisor Certificate required (or willingness to obtain);

•  Experience in aged care, healthcare, or high-volume food production preferred;

•  Understanding of texture-modified diets and therapeutic dietary requirements highly regarded.

Key Competencies

•  Ability to function semi-autonomously within established kitchen protocols;

•  Sound communication skills with multidisciplinary team members;

•  Capacity to adapt menus and preparation methods to meet changing resident needs;

•  Attention to detail in food safety and documentation compliance;

•  Genuine commitment to person-centred care in a residential aged care environment.