Chef's Assistant - Canteens and Catering

Woden Community Service (WCS) is a for-purpose organisation that has been providing community-based services for over 50 years. Our vision of ‘A caring community where everyone belongs’ is achieved through our values of Inclusion, Compassion, Hope, Responsiveness, Integrity and Social Justice.

We deliver services across the ACT covering children, families, young people and seniors including housing and mental health services.

As a Chef Assistant, you will work closely with the Chef and catering team to prepare, package and deliver nutritious food for schools, clients, catering functions and the wider community. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced kitchen environment and takes pride in maintaining high standards of food safety and customer service.

Our Offer:

• Salary packaging option up to $15,899 per Fringe Benefits Tax year, with an additional Meals and Entertainment package available up to $2,650 per Fringe Benefits Tax year.
• 15 days paid personal leave per annum (pro rata) for full & part-time employees.
• 24/7 nationally recognised Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including 3 additional holistic service sessions.
• Ongoing professional development and a supportive team environment.
• Monthly external clinical supervision.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts and everyday savings on essentials at leading Australian retailers such as Woolworths and Coles, all through our Flare Benefits program.

About the Role

As a Chef Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the Chef and catering team to deliver high-quality food services across schools, clients, catering functions and community settings. You will assist with food preparation, kitchen operations, stock management and customer service while ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with food preparation and cooking activities.
• Packing, labelling and preparing orders for distribution and catering events.
• Supporting school canteen and catering operations.
• Maintaining clean, safe and hygienic kitchen and food storage areas.
• Washing dishes, utensils and catering equipment.
• Receiving, checking and storing stock deliveries.
• Assisting with food deliveries across Canberra when required.
• Following food safety, allergen management and WHS procedures.
• Providing friendly and professional customer service.
• Working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.

About You

You are a reliable and motivated team player who enjoys working in a fast-paced food service environment. You take pride in maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service and are willing to learn and contribute wherever needed.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in hospitality, catering, food service or a commercial kitchen environment, or a willingness to learn.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of food safety and workplace hygiene practices.
• The ability to safely lift up to 20kg.
• Flexibility to work across multiple Canberra locations when required.

Desirable:

• Food Safety Handler Certificate.
• Experience in school canteens, cafés or catering operations.
• Current driver's licence.
• Experience with inventory or stock management.
• Knowledge of healthy food guidelines and school canteen operations.

To be eligible for employment, you must have an active Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card, working rights in Australia, and be willing to undertake background checks required for the position, including a National Police Check.

To apply, please click on the “Apply” button and submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the essential requirements of this role. The applications will not be accepted via email.

For further information, please contact ••••@wcs.org.au                  

Closing Date: COB 10 September 2026

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found prior this date.

For more information about WCS and services that we provide, including Children’s Services, Youth & Family, Community Development, Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health, Social Enterprise and Aged Care, please visit our website at www.wcs.org.au

WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all abilities and life experiences. We also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.