If you enjoy helping others and want a role where your work directly improves the quality of life for older Australians, this combined position is worth your attention. A leading charitable aged care provider in Darwin’s beautiful Fannie Bay is looking for a Food Services Assistant and Cleaner to join their supportive team. You will split your time between assisting with food preparation and meal service in the kitchen, and performing housekeeping duties such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms to keep the residential home fresh and safe. This is not a high pressure hospitality role; you will work at a steady pace, getting to know residents and contributing to their comfort and dignity. If you have previous experience in cleaning, food handling, or kitchen roles and have clear English communication skills, this casual position offers the chance to make a real difference every day. You will be valued, supported, and rewarded through salary packaging, health insurance discounts, and wellbeing resources.
Company Overview
The employer is Southern Cross Care, one of Australia’s leading charitable aged care, health, and retirement living service providers. They operate across the country with a mission to support older people to live well. The Fannie Bay facility is a residential aged care home where residents receive 24 hour care. The organisation values Service, Courage, and Compassion. They are committed to diversity, employee wellbeing, and career development. When you work for Southern Cross Care, you work better for life. The team is friendly and supportive, and you will receive training on how to support residents living with dementia. This is not a cold, clinical environment; it is a place where you build relationships and find meaning in your daily tasks.
Key Responsibilities for Food Services Assistant
- Assist with food preparation such as chopping vegetables, making sandwiches, and plating meals according to dietary requirements
- Serve meals to residents in the dining room or at their bedside, ensuring each person receives the correct meal and any assistance they need
- Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment by washing dishes, wiping surfaces, and storing food at correct temperatures
- Adhere to food safety and hygiene standards at all times, following the home’s infection control procedures
Key Responsibilities for Cleaner
- Perform cleaning tasks including dusting furniture, mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, and cleaning bathrooms and toilets to a high standard
- Maintain common areas such as lounges, hallways, and activity rooms, ensuring they are tidy and welcoming for residents and visitors
- Handle cleaning chemicals safely and report any maintenance issues or safety hazards to the supervisor immediately
- Work respectfully in and around residents’ personal spaces, knocking before entering and maintaining privacy at all times
Qualifications
Previous experience in cleaning, food handling, or kitchen roles is required. Clear communication skills in English are essential, especially when interacting with older people who may have hearing or cognitive difficulties. Strong time management skills and the ability to work independently are necessary. You must have a basic understanding of how to support residents living with dementia, or be willing to learn through training. A respectful, team oriented approach aligned with the values of Service, Courage, and Compassion is critical. Physical fitness is required for standing, bending, and lifting cleaning equipment or food trays. A current National Police Clearance and a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check are mandatory. Australian working rights are required. A current flu vaccination and COVID 19 vaccination are likely required.
Benefits and Perks
This casual position pays an hourly rate of AUD 32 to AUD 36, which is the current market rate for a food services assistant and cleaner in the Northern Territory. Based on a typical week of twenty to thirty hours, weekly earnings range from AUD 640 to AUD 1,080, and monthly earnings from approximately AUD 2,560 to AUD 4,320. You enjoy salary packaging benefits to help you take home more pay. You get great discounts on groceries, travel, and health insurance through the Bee Well program. You also have access to wellbeing resources. Training is provided, including dementia support. You work in a beautiful coastal location with a committed, compassionate team.
How to Apply
To apply for this Food Services Assistant and Cleaner position, visit the Southern Cross Care careers website at careers.southerncrosscare.com.au and search for jobs in Fannie Bay. Submit your application online. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If this role matches where you want to take your career, do not wait. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
