Cook - Aspley

Position purpose:

The purpose of this role is to plan and prepare nutritiously balanced meals to meet individual needs, allergies and special dietary requirements of all children attending the centre.

Key responsibilities:

Plan and prepare a suitable menu for children aged 0-6 that is designed in accordance with Australian Dietary Guidelines and other government agencies.
Support the health and wellbeing of all children through planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks, that meet the needs of children with special dietary requirements and allergies.
Monitor stock levels and stock rotation, coordinating the purchasing of food supplies, in consultation with the Director within service budgets and requirements.
Ensure the safe and hygienic preparation, handling and storage of food and drinks, maintaining all required documentation.
Provide advice and assistance to the educational team regarding food and cooking experiences for children and any special events.
Maintain up to date knowledge of food preparation legislation, guidelines and policies.
Support commitment to inclusion and access to nutritious meals for all children, treating all children and families with dignity and respect.
Exemplify personal drive and integrity, taking personal responsibility for meeting objectives, showing initiative and committing energy to achieving goals, showing resilience and professional conduct under pressure and scrutiny.
Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow colleagues to create a safe and caring educational place for children.
Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day to day work including in interactions with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients and stakeholders.
Identify and develop strategies to provide internal and external client focused customer service including identifying improvements to policy, process and the work environment.
Work within the Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety and other relevant legislation, including reporting hazards/incidents, support for injured workers and full participation in return to work plans.
Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.
Role Duties:

Prepare the planned meals and snacks in a timely manner that fits with the service and children’s individual routines
Cater for special occasions, including children’s birthdays (as required)
Undertake general cleaning tasks to maintain overall cleanliness and safety of the kitchen, ensuring a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times.
Undertake heavy cleaning duties on a monthly basis, including but not limited to, cleaning inside ovens, clean and tidy pantry shelves and defrost fridge/s.
Comply with all relevant legislation, early childhood regulations relating to nutrition and food preparation.
Qualifications:

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualifications in respect to food handling and menu planning (Desirable)
Certificate III in early childhood or equivalent (Desirable)
Food Handlers Certificate and/or Food Safety Certificate
Experience and skills:

Experience in managing a kitchen environment in a safe and responsible manner, working both independently and as an effective team member supporting colleagues.
A developed understanding of children’s nutritional and dietary requirements in accordance with The Australian Nutrition Foundation guidelines.
Proven ability to uphold time schedules for meal preparation, while also remaining flexible to meet children’s needs.
Good Knowledge of HACCP principles, food preparation, approved nutritional standards, menu preparation, food hygiene practices, workplace health and safety practices and kitchen management in an early childhood service.
Ability and willingness to ensure that all individual needs of children are catered for, including allergy, dietary and cultural requirements, in collaboration with families and the Director.
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Acts and Regulations in relation to food hygiene standards and workplace health and safety.
Service: personable with a commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with children, families, key stakeholders/customers across the Church and its agencies, boards and committees of the Synod.
Responsibility: demonstrated ability to clearly, effectively and confidentially communicate orally and in writing with other educators, children, families and clients, whilst managing competing views.
Respect: demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views.
Integrity: professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrates an attitude of acceptance and respect for all children and their families, with an ability to act with impartiality, honesty, operate flexibly and use effective teamwork skills.
Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes.
Additional requirements:

Current Drivers Licence (Desirable)
Suitability Card for Child Related Employment (Blue Card) – All adults who work with people under 18 years in Queensland are required to undergo a “Working with Children Check” under the screening provisions of the Commission for Children and Young People Act (2000). Presentation of a current Suitability Card must be made before appointment to the position can be confirmed.
Position requires flexibility of hours.
Hold current First Aid and CPR certification.
Hold or ability to obtain Food supervisors Certificate.
The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested. Read more