Head Cook / Chef

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager

Main Aims of the Job:

• To prepare appetising and nutritious food for the residents daily
• To prepare a menu in conjunction with the residents’ likes and dislikes; this must rotate on a five-week basis
• To change the menus on a regular basis according to the minimum standards
• To ensure that the kitchen is hygienically clean
• To ensure all food orders are requested with ample time while working under an agreed budget
• To meet diverse dietary requirements as necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

• To prepare breakfast as required by the resident at an agreed time
• To offer a range of cooked breakfasts for those that wish them
• To ensure all meals are ready at the appropriate time
• To offer and prepare, if necessary, at least three main options for lunch each day, ensuring that fresh vegetables are used
• To delegate appropriate work to the kitchen assistant as required and monitor that this has been carried out to a satisfactory level
• To oversee any meals that the kitchen assistant has prepared
• To prepare desserts as necessary for both lunch and supper
• To prepare or part prepare the supper dish for that day or delegate this to the appropriate person
• To prepare or delegate the preparation of the sandwiches for supper
• To ensure fresh cake is made for afternoon tea
• To ensure that fresh cake is prepared for a resident’s birthday or any other occasions as requested
• To oversee the smooth running of the kitchen
• To ensure all cleaning is completed as per cleaning rota
• To ensure all food returned to the fridge is covered with cling film and dated
• To ensure all foods are appropriately covered
• To ensure appropriate kitchen protocol is maintained (i.e. no eating in the kitchen, carers are not to wash their hands at the kitchen sink, and so forth)
• To ensure all frozen foods are taken out of the freezer, giving ample time to defrost.
• To order food, drink and other products as required to meet the needs of the residents.

General Responsibilities:

• To attend and participate in staff meetings and attend all mandatory training when required
• To attend supervision and appraisals ensuring that you have prepared for these when required
• To attend any other training when a need has been identified
• To communicate effectively with other staff, relatives and visitors (including professional agencies) regarding residents
• To respond accordingly and pass on messages promptly
• To make visitors feel welcome; provide refreshments/assistance as required
• To report any faults/defects in the home to the appropriate person or the nurse in charge
• To be fully aware of the fire policy and the awareness of food hygiene regulations
• To be familiar with all current policies and procedures, and understand your duty to comply and implement them when necessary
• To wear uniform provided together with plain black trousers and flat sensible shoes
• To be aware of the residents’ confidentiality at all times
• To ensure that you do not use a personal mobile phone whilst on duty
• To ensure that all information of a confidential nature gained while on duty is not divulged to third parties
• To keep all records of cleaning work completed after each shift in the appropriate document
• To understand your duty to whistleblow if you witness or are informed of any safeguarding issues.
• To wear an identification badge at all times
• To promote and ensure the good reputation of the organisation.

Health and Safety:

• To ensure that you work in a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA)
• To assist in the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment by understanding and ensuring adherence to the home’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures, including Fire
• To practice and promote safe working practices within the home
• To take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions
• To ensure that all COSHH records are maintained and updated when necessary
• To be fully aware and comply with infection control policies and procedures and appropriate hand hygiene technique
• To report immediately to the person in charge any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a resident, colleague, self or another
• To report to the manager, matron, maintenance man or nurse in charge any faults, damaged furniture, faulty appliances, equipment or any potential hazard
• To clean up any spillages that you have made, found or been asked to by the nurse in charge
• To be aware that the home has adopted a NO SMOKING policy that applies to all posts within the home. Smoking may be carried out in a designated area that can be found one the ground floor beside the back steps. The outside door is to be kept closed at all times to prevent the smell of smoke coming back into the home.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties required; however, it is not definitive and may be reviewed periodically.

Qualifications, Training and Experience:

• Previous experience is required
• To have a genuine interest for older people
• To be willing to participate in National Vocational Training Programmes if necessary
• To have good communication skills
• To have the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Etwall DE65 6NQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person