Chef/Cook - Opportunity to Make a Difference

Job Title: Chef/Cook 

Location: Tully, Far North Queensland, Australia 

Company Name: Tully Nursing Home Inc 

About us

Tully Nursing Home is a community owned not-for-profit Aged Care facility offering permanent and respite residential care. We operate a 72-bed facility in the township of Tully on the Cassowary Coast of Far North Queensland. Situated between Cairns and Townsville, our town is near Mission Beach, the gateway to Bedarra Island, Dunk Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Our Nursing Home is a caring homelike environment that upholds a strong focus on providing quality, compassionate and meaningful care services by experienced and friendly staff.

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care for our residents. We prioritise dignity, respect, and holistic wellbeing in all our interactions, ensuring that our residents feel valued, supported, and empowered to live fulfilling lives. 

Job Description:

As a Cook/Chef at Tully Nursing Home Inc, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious and appealing meals for our residents. You will ensure that all meals are prepared and presented in line with the health and safety regulations and tailored to meet the dietary requirements and preferences of our residents. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Menu Planning: Assist in the development and planning of menus, taking into consideration feedback from residents, seasonal availability of ingredients, and nutritional guidelines specific to the needs of senior citizens. 
• Meal Preparation: Prepare cook meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in accordance with approved menus and recipes. This includes ensuring that individual and aged care dietary needs are met.
• Kitchen Safety: Always maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment. Ensure compliance with sanitation, hygiene, and health and safety regulations. 
• Food Storage: Manage inventory levels including ordering and completing stocktakes, including monitoring the storage of perishable goods to ensure freshness, minimise waste and prevent spoilage.
• Dietary Management: Work closely with healthcare staff to understand and implement dietary requirements and preferences for individual residents this includes soft or pureed food, low sodium diets, and diabetic-friendly meals. 
• Training and Supervision: Provide guidance and training to kitchen staff as needed, ensuring they are competent in safe food handling practices and preparation of diets required in aged care. 
• Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of food costs, food safety program, consumptions, and resident feedback to aid in menu adjustments and budget management. 
• Resident Interaction: Engage with residents to receive direct feedback on food quality and variety, fostering a welcoming and responsive dining environment. 

 Qualifications and Experience: 

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• Current Queensland Food Handler’s certificate
• Current First Aid & CPR
• National Disability Worker Screening Card (NDIS) (or willingness to obtain). 
• Proven experience as a Cook/Chef, in a commercial setting. Preferences is given to those experience in an aged care setting, hospital, or similar environment.
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs typical to elderly individuals.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and people skills.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations in food handling and hospitality.

Skills:

• Strong cooking skills with the ability to prepare variety of dishes. 
• Excellent organisational skills and time management skills. 
• Compassionate and patient, with a positive demeanor. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent communication skills, capable of interacting positively with residents and staff. 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary. 
• Generous salary packaging and not-for-profit tax benefits – claim up to $15,900 tax free plus additional $2600 in entertainment per year.
• Excellent work-life balance. 
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities. 
• Supportive work environment. 

Working Conditions: 

• The role involves standing for extended periods. 
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays as required. 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and relevant experience to our Human Resource at [email protected].