Chef

Our Balaclava cafe is staffed by our all-abilities crew and is central to the work we do. Through this supportive hospitality environment, we help trainees develop essential transferable work skills, along with communication skills, while fostering community connection.

We are seeking an experienced Chef to work alongside our Head Chef, and support the professional development of our trainees (people with disability) on the job. This will involve providing effective hands-on direction and coaching to trainees to build their capabilities within the kitchen and broadly, in the workplace, with positive support and guidance.

The Role

• Support the day-to-day operations and running of the kitchen, including the execution of daily tasks and checklists.
• Prepare menu items and recipes, with support from trainees..
• Maintain excellent food quality standards, while overseeing the food production, from preparation to presentation. 
• Together with the trainee, support the delivery of an excellent customer experience through high-quality food preparation and efficient kitchen operations. This includes preparing ingredients, catering orders, cooking, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen, and collaborating with front-of-house staff to ensure timely and accurate service.
• Ensure the professional development of the trainee on shift is the primary focus, whilst balancing this with the operational needs of the cafe, as directed by the head chef. This includes the wellbeing of the trainee, as it relates to work.
• Support trainees to be engaged, focused, calm, and working to their best capacity.
• Track trainees progress against the tasks and competencies set in our capability framework.
• Prepare visual daily task lists for trainees, in line with day to day cafe requirements, as advised by the head chef.
• Weekly communication with the Employment Program manager in relation to any challenges, successes or opportunities you observe for each trainee on shift.

Our team is supported by an incredibly passionate leadership team, and provided with regular professional development with Disability specialists to enhance their skills, talent and expertise. Whether you've worked in the disability space in the past or you're new to it, you will be supported along your journey.

This can be a part-time oro full-time role with potential for growth based at our flagship cafe in Balaclava, with opportunity to work across other pop-up sites. Ability to work weekends, including Sundays will be highly regarded!

OUR DREAM CANDIDATE

• 3+ years hospitality experience working in a cafe or restaurant environment.
• Driven by a passion to play a part in changing the way people with disability are included in the workforce - ideally you will have a strong understanding of the disability space and experience in providing individualised support.
• Ability to motivate and mentor individuals all with a set of unique qualities.
• Knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and possesses the attributes of a good teacher and mentor.
• Strong communication skills, with a customer focus.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks.
• Openly accepts feedback as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
• A current First Aid certificate (or willing to obtain)
• Must have valid Visa and Australian working rights
• Must have NDIS Worker Clearance (or willing to obtain)