About the role

Servants provides housing to people that are homeless. We give them a key to a room so they are safe and we provide an evening meal 6 nights a week so that they are no longer hungry.

We are looking for an experienced and warm Lead Cook to join Servants Community Housing in Kew.

Food is an important part of life at Servants. Our residents live in a shared community, and sitting down together for a valuable home-cooked meal is one of the ways we create a welcoming, connected place to live.

Working approximately 22 hours per week, the Lead Cook will usually work independently in the kitchen, preparing nutritious and enjoyable evening meals for residents and ensuring the kitchen is safe, organised and well stocked.

The role includes menu planning, food preparation and cooking, ordering and stock control, and maintaining food safety and kitchen standards. While this is primarily a solo cooking role, the Lead Cook will also work collaboratively with cooks at our two other sites, sharing ideas, coordinating where needed and contributing to consistent kitchen practices across Servants.

We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, enjoys cooking generous home-style food for a group, and understands that a good meal can be about much more than food. You will become a valued part of the Servants community and get to know the people you are cooking for.

We are offering part time 22 hours but willing to be flexible. Cooks usually arrive at 3pm and finish at 7pm Monday to Friday. There is an additional shift on a Sunday evening from 5pm - 7pm and a 2 hour breakfast shift available once a week.

Key responsibilities

- Prepare and serve nutritious, varied and enjoyable evening meals for residents

- Plan menus and accommodate dietary requirements in line with Servants’ Meals Policy

- Independently manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared and served on time

- Manage food ordering, stocktakes, deliveries and stock rotation, while working within the allocated food budget and minimising waste





- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, storage and kitchen cleanliness, including accurate food safety records

- Build positive and respectful relationships with residents and contribute to a warm and welcoming mealtime environment

- Work collaboratively with cooks at our other two sites to share ideas and support consistent kitchen practices across Servants

- Coordinate with any casual or relief kitchen staff as required

- Keep the kitchen organised, safe and well maintained, and report equipment or maintenance issues promptly

- Complete basic kitchen administration, including menus, ordering, cost tracking and food safety documentation

What we're looking for

- Certificate in Commercial Cookery or equivalent practical experience

- Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

- Confidence working independently and taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of a kitchen

- Experience preparing nutritious meals for groups and managing different dietary requirements

- Strong organisational and time management skills, including menu planning, ordering, stock control and working within a budget

- A valuable understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance requirements

- Warm, respectful communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with residents

- An ability to work sensitively with people who may have experienced homelessness, disadvantage, trauma or mental illness

- Reliable, practical and calm under pressure, with good initiative and a willingness to take ownership of the kitchen

- Basic computer skills for menus, ordering, cost tracking and food safety records





- A collaborative approach and willingness to work with cooks at our other sites to share ideas and maintain consistent standards

About us

Servants Community Housing is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit providing safe, affordable housing for people at risk of homelessness.

We do more than provide a roof. Our housing model is built around intentional community, shared hospitality and creating places where people feel known, respected and at home.

Food is an important part of that model. Shared evening meals bring residents together, create routine and connection, and help make each house feel like a community rather than simply accommodation.

Our team works closely with residents, volunteers and each other to create homes where dignity, respect, hope and opportunity can grow. We are looking for people who want to do meaningful work and contribute to a warm, practical and community-focused organisation.

What we offer

- A permanent part-time role averaging approximately 22 hours per week

- An hourly rate of $36.81–$38 plus superannuation, depending on experience

- Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits

- A role with genuine purpose, where your cooking contributes directly to residents’ sense of home, connection and wellbeing

- The independence to run your own kitchen while being part of a supportive broader team

- Regular connection and collaboration with cooks working across our other Servants houses

- A friendly, community-focused workplace where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work

- Training and professional development relevant to the role

Ready to apply?

If you are an experienced cook who enjoys preparing good food, working independently and being part of a small community-focused organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter telling us a little about your experience and why this role interests you.

Join Servants Community Housing and use your skills to help create more than just meals. Your role helps create a sense of home and connection for our residents.

📌 Lead Cook (Kew)
🏢 Servants Community Housing
📍 Kew