COOK

Job Overview
The requirements of the Cook's post is to work in accordance with the Head Cook, prepare and serve meals to residents, ensuring they are nutritious, appealing, and meet dietary needs. To work with specific menus which may need to accommodate special diets and allergies. Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment is also a key responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Menu Planning and Preparation:

• Preparing and cooking meals according to pre-set menus, taking into account resident preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Adjusting meals for special diets (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic, staged and pureed).
• Collaborating with nutritionists or dieticians to ensure nutritional value.
• Maintain a good knowledge and understanding of preparing fortified food for special dietary needs.
• Ordering and managing food supplies.

Meal Service:

• Serving meals to residents in a timely and efficient manner, in the dining room setting.
• Ensuring food is presented attractively and at the correct temperature.

Kitchen Management:

• Maintaining a clean, organised, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ensuring proper storage and handling of food items is compliant with regulations.
• Operating and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Other Duties:

• Assisting with special events or functions that require catering.
• Assisting with training and supervising other kitchen staff.
• Maintaining records related to food preparation, (HACCP & Cooksave) stock inventory to ensure supplies are always readily available for resident dietary needs.
• Complete all required mandatory training withing specified timescales.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Culinary Skills: Experience in cooking a variety of dishes, including those that accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP ), a certification in food hygiene, i.e. Intermediate Level is required.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to plan menus, manage inventory, and maintain a clean workspace.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with residents, staff, and supervisors.
• Patience and Empathy: Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of elderly residents.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy objects.

Working Environment:

• Care home cooks typically work in a busy kitchen environment within a residential care home or care facility.
• The work can involve standing for long periods, lifting, and exposure to heat and food preparation activities.
• Schedules may include weekends and holidays.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be subject to amendment to suit the needs of the residents and the service.

Pay: £13.50-£14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 18.0 – 27.0 per week

Work Location: In person