Casual Chef Food Services Assistant

Casual Chef / Food Services Assistant (Northern Region)

Are you passionate about food and committed to making a positive difference in people's lives?

At Southern Cross Care Tasmania, we believe food is more than just a meal—it provides comfort, dignity, and enjoyment for our residents every day. We are seeking a flexible and dedicated Chef / Food Services Assistant to join our Catering team and support our Northern residential aged care sites.

The Opportunity

We have a Casual Chef / Food Services Assistant opportunity available within our Northern Region.

This unique dual-role position requires someone who is flexible and willing to work across our Northern facilities, including:

• Ainslie Low Head, George Town
• Glenara Lakes, Youngtown
• Mount Esk, Launceston

In this role, you'll work closely with the Head Chef to deliver a high-quality catering service, ensuring meals are prepared, presented, and served in line with dietary requirements, accreditation standards, and resident preferences.

You will undertake both Chef and Food Services Assistant duties, supporting kitchen operations, meal preparation, food service, and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, is adaptable, and is willing to travel between sites to support operational requirements.

This is more than a cooking role—you'll play a key part in enhancing the wellbeing and daily experience of our residents through food and service.

Key Responsibilities

Chef Duties

• Prepare and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals in line with set menus and dietary requirements.
• Support menu planning, including therapeutic and culturally appropriate diets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Monitor stock levels, manage supplies, and assist with ordering.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to improve kitchen performance and service delivery.
• Ensure meals are delivered on time and meet resident expectations.
• Support and guide catering staff to promote efficient and safe work practices.
• Contribute ideas to enhance menus, processes, and the overall dining experience.

Food Services Assistant Duties

• Assist with meal preparation, plating, and meal service.
• Support kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, and sanitisation processes.
• Ensure food handling practices comply with food safety requirements.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Provide respectful and friendly service to residents.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly across Ainslie Low Head (George Town), Glenara Lakes (Youngtown), and Mount Esk (Launceston) as required.
• Support a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace health and safety standards.

About You

You are an experienced, organised, and adaptable hospitality professional who thrives in a team environment and takes pride in delivering consistently high standards.

You will bring:

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar Chef role.
• Certificate III (or higher) in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and food safety standards.
• Experience in menu planning, stock control, and budget management.
• Ability to lead, support, and coordinate catering staff.
• Willingness to undertake both Chef and Food Services Assistant responsibilities.
• Flexibility to work across multiple Northern Tasmania sites as required.
• Understanding of therapeutic and culturally diverse dietary needs.
• A compassionate and respectful approach when working with older people.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

About Us

Southern Cross Care Tasmania is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider with over 50 years of experience supporting Tasmanians through residential aged care, retirement living, and home care services.

We are committed to providing high-quality care while creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for our people.

What's on Offer

• Competitive casual rates
• Salary packaging up to $18,900 per FBT year
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Discounted private health insurance
• Supportive and values-driven team environment
• Opportunity to work across multiple Northern Tasmania sites

Requirements

• National Police Check (within 3 months)
• Working with Vulnerable People Registration (NDIS Endorsed)
• Valid work rights in Australia

Apply Now

If you're a flexible and passionate hospitality professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older Tasmanians, we'd love to hear from you.

This version is concise enough for Seek while still clearly outlining the dual-role nature of the position and the requirement to work across the three Northern sites.