Chef - Early Learning Centre

About us

Mt Hira College ELC is a state-of-the-art early learning centre. Our ELC provides care to children who are six weeks to five years of age. We cater to 130 children with varied needs based on dietary, medical needs and personal choices. We are a fully halal, non-egg and no nut centre. Mt Hira College ELC is committed to creating and maintaining an environment where every child feels safe, respected, valued, included and empowered. The safety, wellbeing and best interests of children are at the centre of everything we do.

About the role

We are looking for a quality candidate, with experience and passion to prepare meals for children according to our food philosophy and National Dietary Guidelines. This role is suited to a chef who has a strong understanding of allergy-awareness food preparation, strict food safety practices and halal cooking requirements. Recognising the importance of serving delicious and nutritious meals to children, our resourced facilities provide ample opportunity for the experienced Cook to highlight their strengths and interests in the kitchen. This is a great role for a Cook or Chef interested in working manageable daytime hours. We are seeking someone who can work independently creating seasonal menus and using a 6-week rotational Menu, and cater for all children's needs, including dietary intolerances and preferences. This unique opportunity is suited to a candidate who is experienced in delivering a balanced menu for children across age groups. It is also appropriate for a candidate who is varied in their skill set and can adapt to a younger audience.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare meals for children according to food philosophy and National Dietary Guidelines

• Follow strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination during food preparations

• Follow all individual children's documented allergy and dietary requirements

• Maintain daily compliance documentation such as fridge/freezer temperatures and cooking temperatures as laid out by the Council for regular compliance checks

• Create seasonal menus and implement a 6-week rotational Menu

• Cater for all children's needs, including dietary intolerances and preferences

• Deliver a balanced menu for children across age groups

• Communicate effectively with Kitchen Hand, Educators, Leaders, community members and children

About you

• Have experience as a Chef, Cook or Catering professional

• Experienced in menu planning, budgeting, stock ordering and control

• Experienced in dietary and allergy safe requirements

• Experienced in ensuring a clean and safe kitchen environment in accordance with relevant Food Safety regulations

• Be a Team Player with great communication and interpersonal skills

• Be available for set shift days and times Monday to Friday

• Be flexible when we celebrate events at the service for families and extended community events

• Have excellent time management and organisational skills

• Knowledge of nutritional requirements for children 0-6 years

• Statement of Attainment or course in Safe Food Handling

• Knowledge of hygienic cooking practices

• Knowledge of dietary, nutritional, cultural requirements of children including allergies and food intolerances

• Ability to work as a cooperative team member

• A cleared Working with Children Check

• Food Supervisors Certificate

• Food Handlers Certificate

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Mt Hira College ELC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children by providing a child safe environment. At Mt Hira College ELC, children feel safe, happy and empowered as we support and respect all members of the College community. This includes the safety and wellbeing of our children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds along with children with a disability and vulnerable children.

All staff, students and volunteers involved in Mt Hira College ELC have a responsibility to understand the importance of the role they play to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.

The staff at Mt Hira College ELC will be required to have an induction on the College's Child Protection and Child Safe Policy while the staff handbook, which all staff are required to read, include the Mandatory Reporting Policy and the Child Safe Code of Conduct.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

• A current resume outlining your qualifications, skills and relevant experience.

• A covering letter outlining the position you are applying for and why you would be a suitable addition to the Mt Hira College ELC team.

• Details of your experience working with children and your commitment to children's safety, wellbeing, inclusion and learning.

Successful applicants will be required to meet all relevant qualification, screening, suitability and child safety requirements prior to commencing employment.

Mt Hira College ELC is committed to recruiting educators and staff who share our commitment to child safety, inclusion, respectful relationships and the protection and wellbeing of every child.

Applications should be emailed to: **********@mthira.vic.edu.au

Please note that we will commence reviewing applications and conducting interviews as they are received. We reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

* We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.