Looking for Cook (Self-Employed)!
Please note: This is a self-employed position, and visa sponsorship is not available.
Job Purpose
The Cook is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of nutritious, balanced meals for residents at Hillcroft Care Home. This role is primarily kitchen-based and focused on food preparation and service, ensuring meals meet residents’ dietary, cultural, and health needs.
The Cook plays a key role in promoting residents’ health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of food while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness.
Key ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation & Cooking
- Prepare and cook freshly made meals in line with the home’s menus and residents’ needs
- Ensure meals are nutritious, well-presented, and appropriate for older people
- Cater for special dietary requirements, including allergies, cultural preferences, and modified diets
- Support texture-modified diets where required (e.g. soft, minced, puréed)
Menu Planning
- Assist with menu planning in line with nutritional guidance and resident preferences
- Take into account feedback from residents and management
- Ensure menus offer variety and choice
Kitchen & Food Safety
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen at all times
- Follow food safety, infection control, and health & safety procedures
- Ensure food is stored, prepared, and served safely
- Complete daily kitchen checks, temperature records, and cleaning schedules
Working with the Care Team
- Liaise with care staff to ensure meals are served safely and on time
- Respond appropriately to residents’ changing needs or preferences
- Communicate any concerns relating to nutrition, appetite, or hydration
Compliance & Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate kitchen records and documentation
- Support compliance with Environmental Health and CQC requirements
- Follow company policies and procedures at all times
Working Pattern
- 3–5 days per week
- Regular weekend working required
- Flexibility to cover holidays or sickness when needed
Essential Requirements
- Experience working as a Cook or in a similar kitchen role
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling
- Ability to work independently and manage own workload
- Understanding of the needs of older people
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Food Hygiene Level 2 (or willingness to complete)
- Experience cooking in a care home, healthcare, or similar setting
- Knowledge of special diets and texture-modified foods
What We Offer
- Consistent part-time hours with a clear cooking-focused role
- Supportive management and care team
- Training and development opportunities
- The opportunity to make a real difference to residents’ quality of life through good food
Additionally, we are offering an opportunity for individuals who wish to work independently as self-employed. This is a great option for those looking for flexibility and autonomy in their work.
The pay rate for self-employed is £12.50per hour
Hours: 3–5 days per week (including regular weekends) 9AM - 5:30PM
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.50 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Cardiff CF5 2AJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please describe your previous experience working in a commercial kitchen - preferably care home
- Please confirm this will be your full time job
- Do you require sponsorship for this position?
- Please write here what your visa status is. If you are British write N/A
Experience:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Cardiff CF5 2AJ (required)
Work Location: In person
