Chef

About the role

The Chef is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals within our residential aged care environment. This role supports residents' health, wellbeing, dignity, and choice through the delivery of meals that are safe, nutritious, and person-centred. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who values teamwork, quality, and delivering meals that make a meaningful difference in residents' daily lives.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, and production schedules
• Ensure meals meet therapeutic, allergy, cultural, religious, and texture-modified dietary requirements
• Prepare texture-modified meals and thickened fluids in accordance with the IDDSI framework
• Support menu flexibility and resident choice in consultation with the Chef Manager
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and infection prevention and control
• Ensure correct storage, labelling, rotation, and handling of food, including allergen management
• Complete required food safety monitoring, documentation, and corrective actions
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times
• Support a positive, respectful, and person-centred dining experience
• Communicate effectively with care, clinical, and lifestyle teams regarding resident dietary needs

About you

• Trade qualification in Commercial Cookery (Certificate III or IV or equivalent)
• Food Safety Supervisor certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Current Police Check and NDIS Check
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Demonstrated experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environment
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, infection prevention and control, and safe food handling practices
• Experience preparing special diets and texture-modified meals
• Understanding of the IDDSI framework and nutritional needs of older people
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills
• Full working rights in Australia

About us

John Curtin Aged Care is a community-focused, not-for-profit aged care facility committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and supportive environment. Located in the heart of Creswick, our 65-bed facility includes our Peacock Wing, a specialised 18-bed Memory Care Unit, where we support residents living with dementia with dignity, respect, and understanding.

Benefits

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 plus additional meals and entertainment benefits
• Novated leasing options available
• Staff discounts and delicious barista-made coffee at our onsite Curtin Café
• Located in Creswick, just 15 minutes from the Ballarat CBD and 1.5 hours from Melbourne
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A welcoming and supportive team culture where people genuinely care