Cook – Care Home
Job Title: Cook
Department: Catering
Reports To: Head Chef / Registered Manager
Location: [Care Home Name]
Hours: [Full-time/Part-time] – [Hours per week]
Salary: [Salary/Hourly Rate]
Job Purpose
To prepare and serve nutritious, appetising and well-presented meals for residents in a safe, hygienic and caring environment. The Cook will ensure that meals meet residents’ dietary, nutritional and personal requirements while maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and present breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to a high standard.
- Follow planned menus while accommodating residents’ individual dietary requirements, allergies, preferences and cultural needs.
- Prepare modified-texture and special diets where required, including soft and pureed meals.
- Ensure food is prepared, stored, cooked and served in accordance with food safety legislation and care home policies.
- Maintain accurate records, including fridge/freezer temperatures, cooking temperatures, cleaning schedules and food safety checks.
- Monitor food stocks and inform the appropriate manager when supplies need replenishing.
- Help control food costs and minimise waste while maintaining appropriate portion sizes.
- Keep the kitchen, equipment, work surfaces and storage areas clean and hygienic.
- Follow appropriate procedures for the prevention of cross-contamination and allergen management.
- Work closely with care staff to understand residents’ changing dietary needs and preferences.
- Support residents’ wellbeing by creating enjoyable and varied meals.
- Assist with menu planning and contribute ideas for seasonal and special occasion meals.
- Follow COSHH, health and safety, fire safety and infection-control procedures.
- Report any concerns relating to food safety, equipment, stock or residents’ dietary requirements to the appropriate manager.
- Carry out other reasonable catering duties required to support the smooth running of the care home.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Previous experience working as a Cook, preferably within a care home, hospital, school or similar catering environment.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling.
- Understanding of allergen management and special dietary requirements.
- Ability to prepare nutritious and appealing meals for a range of dietary needs.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, caring and respectful approach to working with older people.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, colleagues and management.
Desirable
- Food Hygiene qualification.
- Catering or culinary qualification.
- Experience preparing modified-texture diets.
- Experience working within a regulated care environment.
- Knowledge of nutrition and hydration for older people.
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate will be:
- Caring and compassionate.
- Patient and approachable.
- Reliable and responsible.
- Organised and able to work under pressure.
- Positive and willing to work as part of a team.
- Committed to maintaining residents’ dignity, choice and wellbeing.
- Passionate about providing good-quality, nutritious food.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- 6 weeks holiday
- [Pension scheme].
- [Training and development opportunities].
- Supportive working environment.
- Opportunity to make a positive difference to residents’ daily lives.
Safeguarding:
Pear Tree Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of residents. The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, including references and a DBS check where applicable.
Equal Opportunities:
Pear Tree Lodge is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £14.00-£14.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
