Centre Cook - Riverbanks ELC

THE ROLE

Are you looking for a chance to bring your culinary skills to a job where you will make a real difference, and be valued for what you do every day?

We are seeking a passionate Centre Cook for our Riverbanks Early Learning Centre! This is a part-time opportunity offering 26 hours per week, reporting to the ELC Director. 

As a Centre Cook at Riverbanks ELC, and as a key member of the team, you will:

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals for the children 

• Meet specific dietary requirements, including allergies

• Provide a high level of customer service skills, attention to detail and excellent communication skills

• Display excellent time management skills

• Ensure safe and hygienic storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks

• Work as part of a team to create and foster a safe, caring, and educational atmosphere for children

• Plan and implement healthy eating education and hands-on cooking for children

• Delight little customers with big appetites - provide delicious and nutritional meals to children

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

Successful candidates will also have, or be willing to obtain:

• Food Handling Certification 

• HLTAID009 Provide CPR

• HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting

• Certificate of completion for “Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care” (RRHAN-EC) Training

Desirable:

• Previous experience in nutrition and dietary requirement of children

• Previous experience working within a childcare setting

To view the position descriptions for this role, please visit our website at https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/get-involved/careers/find-a-job.

ABOUT THE Y

YMCA South Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation that has served the South Australian community for more than 170 years. Our aim is to develop the whole person, helping all South Australians connect with a better life - not only physical fitness and capabilities but also sense of identity, purpose, hope and dignity, psychological health, resilience, social connectedness, lifelong learning and contribution back into the community. We are a leading provider of recreation, community, and children’s services and we deliver programs and services across the state in settings including community recreation centres, swimming pools, health and fitness facilities, community centres, camps, early education and schools and youth services.

BENEFITS WITH THE Y

• Paid Parental Leave Top-Up – From 1 January 2027, we top up government Parental Leave Pay to bring you closer to your usual pay, with 12 weeks for primary carers and 2 weeks for secondary carers (eligibility criteria apply). 

• Free Access – Free casual entry to YMCA SA managed recreation centres, including the gym, group fitness, swimming and stadium sports, plus free entry for up to 5 people from your household when they visit with you (maximum 2 adults). 

• YMCA SA Discounts – 20% off registered programs for you and your immediate family, such as swimming lessons, birthday parties, OSHC and Vacation Care, plus 20% off café food and merchandise. 

• Health and Wellbeing – Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support for you and your immediate family, 24/7, plus a free flu vaccination each year. 

• Career Growth Opportunities – Free, on-demand YLearn courses in leadership, wellbeing, workplace skills, and digital and AI, with ongoing opportunities for career and skill development. 

• ECEC Worker Retention Allowance - Receive an additional allowance on top of your base pay due to our participation in the ECEC Worker Retention Allowance scheme.

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Danelle Caddies via email riverbanks.elc@ymcasa.org.au or call 0460 040 038.

Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and cover letter via Apply Now! You must address the key selection criteria in your application. Please note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Applications close 14th of November 2026.

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

At the Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. As such, we ensure that all of our candidates are appropriately screened to make sure that the right people are in the right roles. This includes:

• National Police Check (issued in the last 6 months)

• DHS Working With Children Check

• International Criminal History Record Check (if worked overseas in the last 5 years)

To learn more about our screening processes, click here to view our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy: https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/who-we-are/safeguarding-children

YMCA South Australia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding children and young people and other vulnerable people.