At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals for kids while ensuring food safety and dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join Early Learning Victoria, a leader in child care and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to child safety and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and well-being through delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, food safety knowledge, and a passion for child nutrition.
Early Learning Victoria (ELV), as part of the Department of Education, is rolling out new early learning centres. There are 18 currently operating with 6 more opening in 2027. Our centres offer long day care, 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder, with more hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder over time and play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth, and maintaining the highest standards of child safety.
ELV is approved for the Commonwealth’s Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.
About the Role
Opened in 2026 and co-located with Harrisfield Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Ngalambi (meaning 'to be at home') is a 57-place centre located in Noble Park offering long day care and 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.
In this role, you will:
- Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with ELV's Eating and Drinking: Health, Nutrition and Food Safety policy
- Ensure all food is prepared to meet individual dietary requirements and is culturally appropriate to the local community
- Manage timely ordering of food supplies and stock to meet budget requirements
- Maintain a safe, clean kitchen environment in accordance with the Food Safety Act and ELV policies
- Keep the Food Safety Program updated and maintain kitchen equipment, escalating concerns to centre leadership as required
About You
- Demonstrated experience as a cook or chef, providing high-volume, nutritious meals in a timely manner
- Sound understanding of the Food Safety Act and food handling and hygiene requirements
- Ability to cater for a diverse range of dietary, allergy and cultural requirements
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities
Qualifications and Experience
- Certificate in Food Handling and Food Safety Supervisor certificate
- Valid Working with Children Check; completion of Protecting Children - Mandatory Reporting online learning (or willingness to obtain)
- First Aid, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years
ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Part-Time Centre Cook — Nutritious Meals & Flexible Hours in Melbourne employer: Victorian Government
The Victorian Government offers a supportive and inclusive work environment for Integration Aides and Literacy Intervention staff in the Melbourne Northern Suburbs, where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute to meaningful educational outcomes. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the department fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to make a difference in students' lives. Additionally, the ongoing nature of this role provides stability and the opportunity to develop essential skills in a dynamic educational setting.
