Level 1 - 2 Salary: $71,777 - $82,329 per annum, plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
Job Title: Cook (Vocational Instructor)
Location: Grafton
Department: Youth Justice
Contract: Temporary full time, up to 6 months.
This is a targeted recruitment. While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, as the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a valuable perspective to our work with this community.
Your role
Order, store, produce and distribute nutritious meals for all young people and frontline staff in an efficient manner, adhering to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Australia and Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards and guidelines.
What You'll Do
* Check the cleanliness and safe operation of equipment and premises before use to ensure safety and maintain hygiene and cleanliness throughout the kitchen in compliance with WHS regulations and HACCP standards.
* Maintain the kitchen, equipment, and organise repair of ovens, hotplates, grills and similar equipment when required.
* Plan menus, estimate and order fresh food supplies, and cook and prepare a selection of nutritious hot and cold meals for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, incorporating cultural and dietary needs as required by staff and young people.
* Monitor the quality of food at all stages of preparation and presentation.
* Ensure all perishable and non-perishable food items are stored safely and carry out good food management, temperature controls and HACCP documentation according to current regulations.
* Ensure correct personal protective equipment is used at all times in line with WHS and HACCP standards.
* Develop, design, deliver and evaluate a vocational program of the profession to provide vocational training to detainees in a set area.
* Provide supervision, control and discipline for detainees during vocational programs to ensure all equipment is appropriately used and stored, and the safety, security and wellbeing of detainees and staff is maintained.
What We're Looking For
For Vocational Instructors (Cook) Level 1, Years 1 – 2, relevant experience for the role is required. To progress to Level 2, Years 1 – 4, a TAFE Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) or equivalent, formerly called Certificate II in Commercial Cookery, and Train Small Groups qualification or equivalent is required.
* Trade qualifications or trade-equivalent skills as a Cook; HACCP qualifications are preferred.
* HACCP qualifications including current Food Safety Supervisors Certificate.
* Weekend work will be required.
* Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance.
* Possession of "Provide First Aid" (HLTAID0011) or equivalent.
* National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (subject to reference checks).
What We Offer
* A challenging and rewarding career.
* Flexible, autonomous work environment.
* Competitive pay and conditions.
* Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities.
* Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, we welcome you to apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
Applications close
Tuesday, 17th March 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Contact
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Pana Turaga via panapasa.turaga@dcj.nsw.gov.au. If you have a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Olivia Alipalo on 0477 323 408 or via olivia.alipalo@dcj.nsw.gov.au.
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups. To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and Diversity on the DCJ website.
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/.
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience.
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