Location: Elmside, Hitchin
Hours: Relief/Bank hours per week
Salary: £15.18 per hour
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Cook to join our team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will provide nutritious, high-quality meals for members attending our activities, helping to promote health, wellbeing and enjoyment.
As a Cook, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared safely, efficiently and in line with individual preferences and dietary needs. You will also support and supervise volunteers, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment based on MHA’s values.
What you will do
- Prepare, cook and serve meals for members attending lunch, breakfast or afternoon tea clubs.
- Plan menus that are nutritious, appealing and meet a wide range of dietary and cultural needs.
- Manage food ordering and stock control, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimising waste.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety in line with food safety and COSHH requirements.
- Supervise and support volunteers and staff working in the kitchen, including organising rotas.
- Assist with the induction and training of volunteers and staff, ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards.
- Maintain accurate records and complete audits in line with food safety policies.
- Attend training, meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.
About you
We are looking for someone who is confident, reliable and passionate about food and service.
You will bring:
- Experience of preparing and cooking meals for large numbers of people.
- A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- The ability to deliver high-quality meals within a set budget.
- Good communication and listening skills, with a customer-focused approach.
- Experience of working with or supervising volunteers (desirable).
- Creativity in menu planning and sensitivity to the needs of older people.
- A flexible and positive approach to work, with occasional travel as required.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, food plays an important role in bringing people together, and your work will have a meaningful impact every day.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable)
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
- A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
- Long service awards to celebrate your contribution
About the service
Elmside care home in Hitchin
Elmside is a warm and community-focused home where colleagues work together to deliver meaningful, person-centred care. The team atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, helping new colleagues feel supported from their very first day.
With a strong focus on dignity, independence and high-quality support, colleagues play an essential role in creating a calm, uplifting environment for residents. The home reflects MHA’s charitable values, promoting kindness, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving later life.
Elmside is an ideal workplace for job seekers who want to build a purposeful career in a supportive home where colleagues feel valued, trusted and inspired to grow.
For more information about the home, please click here
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA’s Recruitment Team.
