At Vermont Aged Care, food is about far more than nutrition. It is about comfort, connection, choice and enjoyment.
As a family-owned aged care community, we have been providing respite, permanent and palliative care for more than 45 years. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment where residents genuinely enjoy mealtimes and where quality food is an important part of everyday life.
We don't believe in "institutional food". Our focus is on fresh ingredients, resident choice, quality presentation and creating enjoyable dining experiences every day.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a qualified and enthusiastic Cook who is also willing to undertake Food Services Assistant (FSA) duties as required.
About the Role
This is a flexible hospitality role designed to support both cooking and food service operations.
The successful candidate will primarily work as a Cook when providing leave coverage, rostered absence coverage and additional operational support within the kitchen. Additional shifts and hours may also be available through Food Services Assistant duties.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about cooking, takes pride in the quality of meals they produce, and is happy to work across both cooking and food service functions.
Key Responsibilities- Cook Duties
- Prepare, cook and present nutritious, appetising meals, snacks and desserts.
- Follow menus, recipes and portion guidelines.
- Prepare meals for residents with special dietary requirements, including modified texture and therapeutic diets.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Monitor food quality, freshness and storage.
- Assist with stock rotation and inventory management.
- Contribute ideas for menu development and continuous improvement.
Food Services Assistant Duties
- Assist with meal preparation and plating.
- Serve meals and beverages to residents in a friendly and respectful manner.
- Assist with dining room setup and meal service.
- Complete dishwashing and kitchen cleaning duties.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and dining areas.
- Support the hospitality team during busy service periods.
- Follow all food safety, infection control and workplace health and safety requirements.
General Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with residents, families and team members.
- Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy and respect at all times.
- Contribute to a positive dining experience for residents.
- Promote resident choice, dignity and wellbeing through quality food and service.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualification.
- Has experience working as a Cook, Chef or Catering Cook.
- Takes pride in producing high-quality meals and presentation.
- Enjoys working with older people and understands the importance of mealtimes in aged care.
- Has strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Is flexible and willing to work across both Cook and Food Services Assistant roles.
- Is organised, reliable and able to work independently.
- Remains calm and efficient in a busy kitchen environment.
- Has a positive attitude and a strong customer service focus.
Essential Requirements
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or higher.
- Current Food Safety knowledge.
- Food Handler/Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
- Availability to work a flexible roster, including weekends if required.
- Full Australian working rights.
Highly Regarded
- Experience in aged care, healthcare, hospitality, hotels, clubs, restaurants or institutional catering.
- Knowledge of modified texture diets and aged care nutrition requirements.
- Previous experience working in a resident-focused environment.
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly team environment.
- A workplace where food quality genuinely matters.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- Stable employment within a growing organisation.
- Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in residents' lives every day.
Why Join Vermont Aged Care?
Food is one of the highlights of the day for many residents.
By joining our hospitality team, you will play an important role in creating enjoyable dining experiences that support nutrition, wellbeing and quality of life. Whether preparing meals in the kitchen or assisting residents during service, your work will have a direct and meaningful impact every day.
Pay: $29.00 – $33.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vermont VIC 3133: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Authorisation:
Location:
- Vermont VIC 3133 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
