Hours: Friday and Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (12 hours per week)
Reports To: Home Manager
Job Purpose
To prepare, cook and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals for up to 27 residents, ensuring all food is produced to a high standard while meeting individual dietary requirements, food hygiene regulations, and the home’s quality standards. The Weekend Cook plays an important role in promoting residents’ health, wellbeing and dining experience through the provision of safe, appetising meals.
Key Responsibilities
● Prepare and serve a nutritious breakfast for residents.
● Plan, prepare and cook a freshly made lunch for up to 27 residents.
● Cater for individual dietary needs, allergies, food intolerances, texture-modified diets and cultural or religious preferences as directed in residents’ care plans.
● Ensure meals are served on time and presented to a high standard.
● Prepare snacks or desserts where required.
● Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen.
● Wash and sanitise kitchen equipment, utensils and food preparation areas.
● Monitor food temperatures during cooking, holding and serving, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
● Complete all required food safety documentation, including temperature checks and cleaning schedules.
● Ensure food is stored correctly and stock is rotated using the FIFO (First In, First Out) system.
● Report low stock levels and assist with stock control where required.
● Minimise food waste while maintaining excellent meal quality.
● Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations, HACCP principles and the home’s policies and procedures.
● Work safely at all times, following health and safety procedures.
● Communicate effectively with care staff to ensure residents’ dietary requirements are met.
● Report any maintenance or equipment issues promptly to the Home Manager.
● Support a welcoming dining experience that promotes residents’ dignity, choice and independence.
Person Specification
Essential
● Previous experience preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen, care setting or similar environment.
● Good knowledge of food hygiene and food safety practices.
● Understanding of special diets and modified textures.
● Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
● Reliable, organised and punctual.
● Good communication skills.
● Ability to maintain accurate food safety records.
● Friendly, caring and respectful approach towards older people.
Desirable
● Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
● Previous experience working within a residential or nursing care home.
● Knowledge of IDDSI texture-modified diets.
● Basic knowledge of nutrition for older adults.
Key Skills
● Meal planning and preparation
● Food presentation
● Kitchen organisation
● Time management
● Attention to detail
● Teamwork
● Food safety awareness
● Customer service
● Ability to work calmly under pressure
Health & Safety
The post holder is responsible for:
● Maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
● Following all infection prevention and control procedures.
● Using kitchen equipment safely and reporting faults immediately.
● Complying with all Health and Safety legislation and the care home’s policies.
General Responsibilities
● Maintain confidentiality at all times.
● Promote equality, dignity, privacy and respect for all residents.
● Participate in mandatory training as required.
● Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role as requested by the Home Manager.
Working Hours
● Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
● Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Total Hours: 12 hours per week
Pay: £13.32 per hour
Work Location: In person
