Cook – Mount Isa Recovery Services Centre

Location: Mount Isa, QLD
Classification: SCHADS Award – Level 3
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Program: Alcohol and Other Drugs | Social Mission

Bring Your Passion for Food and Purpose Together

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious, quality meals and looking for a role where your work makes a genuine difference?

Join The Salvation Army as a Cook at our Mount Isa Recovery Services Centre, where you’ll play an important role in supporting the wellbeing and recovery of our participants through wholesome, nourishing meals.

This is more than a kitchen role. Every meal you prepare contributes to creating a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for people on their recovery journey.

Why This Role Matters

The Salvation Army is one of Australia’s leading providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, supporting people through withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm-reduction programs.

At our recovery centres, we provide more than treatment — we create environments built on hope, dignity, respect and opportunity. As part of our kitchen team, you’ll contribute directly to this supportive environment.

About the Role

As our Cook, you’ll be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for participants while maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals – Cook high-volume, nutritious and well-balanced meals for residential participants in accordance with approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Deliver meals on time – Ensure meals are prepared and served promptly while working within approved menus and budget requirements.
• Support menu planning – Assist with developing menu plans for management approval that meet nutritional, participant and operational requirements.
• Maintain kitchen standards – Keep kitchen, food preparation and dining areas clean, safe and compliant with Australian food safety standards and The Salvation Army policies.
• Manage food stock – Receive and check deliveries, rotate stock, monitor food quality and minimise food wastage.
• Maintain food safety – Follow appropriate food handling, storage and preparation procedures, including HACCP principles where applicable.
• Support the team – Contribute to a positive, respectful and well-organised kitchen environment.

About You

You’ll bring a genuine passion for cooking and a commitment to providing nutritious meals in a supportive community environment.

You will have:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, or a willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Minimum 1 year’s experience working in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience in kitchen, catering or food service operations.
• Sound knowledge of safe food handling and food safety practices.
• Understanding of HACCP principles is highly regarded.
• Ability to work effectively within a 7-day rotating roster.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• A current Working with Children Check.
• A current Driver’s Licence.
• A commitment to the values and mission of The Salvation Army.

Make a Difference Through Every Meal

If you’re a skilled and reliable Cook who wants to use your talents to support people as they rebuild their lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Join The Salvation Army and bring food, care and purpose to the table.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

How to apply

If you are ready to inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. We look forward to hearing from you!

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration