The Welcome Table by House of Welcome - St Francis Social Services

• 12-month parental leave cover – full-time role
• Salary packaging available

About the Organisation

The Welcome Table is the social enterprise of the House of Welcome (HoW).

HoW provides support for people seeking asylum and refugees living in the Australian community. HoW welcomes, shelters, and empowers people seeking asylum and refugees regardless of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, or religion. We provide client-centred, holistic support that nurtures hope, advocates for justice, and promotes self-reliance while acknowledging the dignity and rights of each person.

At The Welcome Table (TWT), food is more than a meal - it’s a pathway to confidence, connection, community, and employment. As the social enterprise of House of Welcome, we work alongside people seeking asylum and refugees to create opportunities through catering, training, and community engagement.

We’re looking for a passionate and community-minded Sous Chef to support our catering operations and lead our Community Connections programs. This role is ideal for someone who loves hospitality, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to use their skills to create meaningful social impact.

This is an opportunity to combine culinary leadership with community development in a purpose-driven organisation making a real difference.

About the Role

The Sous Chef – Community Connections & Catering reports to the Social Enterprise Lead and plays a key role in delivering high-quality catering services while leading inclusive, trauma-informed training and community programs.

Working closely with the Social Enterprise Lead and Sous Chef (Operations & Production), you will:

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to day-to-day catering production and kitchen operations.
• Work collaboratively with the Sous Chef (Operations & Production), Social Enterprise Lead, and kitchen team.
• Deliver structured kitchen and hospitality training programs.
• Support and mentor trainee cooks and community participants in relevant job-readiness programs.
• Foster a safe, trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment.
• Coordinate Community Connections activities that build the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging of people seeking asylum and refugees participating in the programs.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Work closely with the Sous Chef (Operations & Production) to ensure smooth kitchen coordination and operations during peak periods and staff leave.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organisations and partners as needed.

This is a hands-on role that combines kitchen leadership, training, mentoring, and community engagement.

About You

You are:

• Passionate about food, people, and social impact.
• Excited to help grow a purpose-driven catering and community enterprise.
• Committed to producing high-quality food and service.
• Skilled at mentoring and encouraging others.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Able to create safe and inclusive spaces for people from diverse backgrounds.

Key Selection Criteria

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (minimum)
• At least 5 years of hospitality or commercial kitchen experience
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate or equivalent
• Experience in training, mentoring, or supervising others
• Strong time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• Current driver’s licence
• Full Australian working rights (Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this role.)
• Applicants with refugee backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• Full-time role – 12-month contract
• Daytime weekday hours
• Two RDOs per week in a supportive and purpose-driven workplace culture
• Opportunity to create meaningful social impact through food and community
• Not-for-profit salary packaging
• Two wellbeing days per year
• Opportunity to be part of a growing and innovative social enterprise

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.