Work in a State-of-the-Art Commercial Kitchen Serving Over 1,000 People Daily
Casual Positions- Monday to Sunday roster – No Night Shifts
About Ravenhall Correctional Centre
Ravenhall is Victoria’s largest, medium security prison for adult sentenced and unsentenced males. Its contemporary campus-style design provides a safe and humane environment that enables and nurtures GEOs Continuum of Care operating philosophy.
Ravenhall also has a dedicated Forensic Mental Health Unit and a specialised Closed Supervision Unit for prisoners with significant challenging behaviours. In recognition of the importance of Continuum of Care, Ravenhall extends its presence into the community by providing ex people in our care with access to post-release support at GEO’s Community Reintegration Centre.
With key focus on young adult offenders, Aboriginal and those with complex and mental health needs, have significant opportunities to engage in work, education, programs and services, through an evidence based approach to reduce re-offending.
Through investment in opportunities for people in our care to engage in work, education and programs, prisoners are not only held safely and securely but given every chance to turn their lives around. Issues behind much of the crime in our communities – such as violent attitudes, anti-social behaviours and the abuse of drugs and alcohol – are addressed through innovative programs and interventions. At the same time helping the people in our care with day-to-day challenges such as gaining and holding down employment and finding a suitable place to live also help prevent a return to crime.
Ravenhall’s unprecedented emphasis on offender rehabilitation and reintegration is evidenced through collaborative and integrated relationships with key Alliance service partners including Forensicare, GEO Health Car Plus, The Y, Honeywell and Bendigo Kangan Institute of Tafe. Together, Ravenhall provides an integrated service system that collaboratively brings about lasting positive change in the lives of the men in our care pre- and post-release. Through these partnerships the objective of Safer Victorian Communities is achieved.
About the Opportunity
As a Casual Catering Officer you will be responsible for the provision and development of a range of high quality food services in a hygienic, cost effective and nutritious manner for the staff and prisoners at Ravenhall Correctional Centre.
You will primarily be responsible for:
- Ensuring an adequate supply of produce is available 7 days per week.
- Ensuring that prisoners meet industry standards for personal hygiene.
- Ensuring that enough prisoners are rostered on the shift to complete the required daily duties.
- Supervise prisoners and give clear instructions and direction to assist with the preparation, production and distribution of food.
- Ensuring that all relevant legislation relating to corrections and food service is adhered to.
- Ensuring that no meal is tampered with.
- Ensuring that prisoners are disciplined according to GEO policy.
- Supervising the safe use of equipment and ensure that prisoners wear the correct personal protective equipment.
- Immediately reporting any equipment breakages or tool discrepancies to the Catering Supervisor or Manager.
- Completing all relevant paperwork and reports as required.
- Implementing sound OH&S procedures and practices consistent with Australian/ New Zealand Standards ISO 45001 to ensure safety is at the forefront of all planning.
- Ensuring a detailed training plan is developed for all industry equipment and all safety operation procedures are highlighted.
- Ensuring every prisoner is fully trained and competent in the proper operation of any equipment prior to operation and that the training is duly recorded.
Your Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will possess the following:
- A working knowledge of large kitchens in the capacity of professional chef/cook and the ability to “multi task” in the kitchen.
- Experience in bulk cooking procedures.
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent
- Good decision-making skills and the ability to work without supervision.
- Ability to work in a team environment with other staff and prison employees with the ability to communicate effectively with people from varying backgrounds.
- Ability to operate all tools and equipment in the kitchen.
- Be able to understand and operate different types of machinery and equipment as required.
- Sound knowledge of OH&S requirements.
- Flexible to work on a 7-day roster including weekends and public holidays
For further information about this role and download a copy of Position Description, please click here.
About the Benefits
Joining GEO is your chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. Benefits of working for GEO, include but are not limited to:
- Role diversity and internal career progression opportunities
- Ongoing funding for professional development opportunities (including further education sponsorship)
- Support with Professional Registration costs
- Flexible working arrangements
- Competitive salary and rewards scheme
- Free parking
- Employee Assistance Program
- Staff gym
- Subsidised meals
- Fitness Passport to promote wellbeing. Discounted gym and pool access for members and their families to over 1500 fitness facilities across Australia.
- Discounted Private Health Insurance (Medibank Private)
- VCEA (Victorian Correctional Employees Association)
How to Apply
To initiate the application process, click on the "Apply" button and proceed through the application questionnaire located beneath the job advertisement.
The application process has several stages, and should your application advance, you will be expected to engage in the following steps:
- In-Person (preferred) or Virtual Interview Attendance.
- Reference checks will be conducted following the interview.
- National Police Certificate Authority Clearance
- Pre-Employment Medical and Fitness Assessment, which will be covered by our organisation. The evaluation will likely include various aspects, including assessed lifting capacity, aerobic fitness, lung function, grip strength, upper body strength, lower body strength, and core strength.
Important: Please note that Pre-Employment clearance can take up to approximately 6 weeks.
Please note: Only permanent Australian residents, Australian citizens or candidates with unrestricted visas and the right to work in Australia are eligible to apply for these positions.
Don't meet every requirement? At Ravenhall Correctional Centre, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and a current resume.
For any enquiries, or to discuss the position in more detail please contact Recruitment on (03) 83636356 or ravenhallcareers@geogroup.com.au
Please note: This is a progressive campaign and interviews will commence before closing date.
This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that is growing and dedicated to improving our communities. Don't wait - Apply Now!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are highly encouraged to apply
Applications close at 11:59 pm, Friday 15th August 2025
We are always looking for people to join our company who share the values that we stand for:
INTEGRITY RESPECT ACCOUNTABLE AGILE INNOVATIVE