About Elim House Community Association
Elim House Community Association is a registered charity based in Peckham, Southwark. Established in 1980, we've spent over 40 years providing day centre care, activities, transport and advocacy support for older members of our community - with a particular focus and support for Southwark's Caribbean, African and other Black and minority ethnic residents aged 50+.
For many of our members, their day at Elim House is the highlight of their week. Our staff and volunteers are the heart of that - their warmth, patience, and consistency are what make Elim House feel less like a service and more like family. We take real pride in the team we've built, and we're looking for someone who shares that same care and commitment to bring to our kitchen.
The Role - URGENT
We're looking for an experienced, reliable and organised Chef to plan and cook breakfast and lunch, four days a week for our members. Freshly prepared, home-style food, with Caribbean influence, cooked with the same warmth we bring to everything else at Elim House. You won't be doing it alone, a Kitchen Assistant will be on hand to support with prep, service and washing-up.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, prepare and cook a hot breakfast and a hot lunch each working day for centre members
- Own and manage the menu — rotating dishes and seasonal ingredients while keeping much-loved favourites in the mix
- Tailor and adapt meals to individual dietary needs (diabetic, low salt/low sugar, soft or pureed textures, allergies and intolerances, cultural and religious requirements)
- Portion and plan meals appropriately for an older adult client group, in line with good nutrition and hydration practice
- Order, receive and rotate food stock; keep on top of stock levels and minimise waste
- Keep accurate food safety records (fridge/freezer temperatures, cooking temperatures, cleaning schedules) in line with food hygiene regulations
- Maintain a clean, safe kitchen at all times — washing up, mopping, sanitising surfaces and equipment, and general kitchen cleaning duties
- Direct and supervise the Kitchen Assistant's daily tasks
- Liaise with the Manager on menu choices, catering budget, and any changes to members' dietary requirements
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergen and health & safety legislation at all times
What We're Looking For:
- Proven experience as a Chef/Cook, ideally in a care home, day centre, nursery, school or similar setting where meals are tailored to specialist or individual dietary needs
- Caribbean cooking background strongly preferred
- Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate minimum (Level 3 desirable)
- Good working knowledge of allergen management and nutrition for older or vulnerable adults
- Confidence managing food stock, budgets and menu planning with minimal supervision
- A warm, patient approach, and genuine enjoyment of working with and cooking for older people
- Two satisfactory references
- Right to work in the UK
Safeguarding
This role involves working with vulnerable adults, and is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged as part of the onboarding process.
What You'll Get:
- Competitive hourly pay of £17.00
- A set, predictable 4-day week (Mon–Thu, 8am–3pm) — no evenings or weekends
- A Kitchen Assistant to support you day-to-day
- The choice of self-employed or PAYE working arrangements
- The chance to do genuinely meaningful, valued work at the centre of a close, supportive community team
Pay: From £17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
