About the Role
We are looking for a reliable, organised and caring Cook to join our CQC-registered care home, which is rated Good. The home supports residents with autism and mental health conditions, and this role is important in promoting residents’ health, wellbeing, choice and daily routine through appetising, nutritious meals.
As the Cook, you will be responsible for preparing lunch and evening meals for residents and staff, managing the kitchen independently, and ensuring meals and mealtimes are planned in a safe, calm, respectful and person-centred way.
We currently require someone to work 40 hours per week, but will consider part time applicants with a view of a job share.
Key Responsibilities
· Prepare and cook lunch and evening meals for residents and staff, ensuring meals are nutritious, well-presented and suitable for individual needs.
· Plan menus in line with residents’ preferences, dietary requirements, allergies, cultural needs, sensory preferences, routines and nutritional guidance.
· Manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, cleaning, stock control and ordering supplies.
· Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness, following food safety procedures and safe working practices.
· Keep accurate kitchen records, including temperature checks, cleaning schedules, food storage records and allergen information.
· Work closely with care staff and management to support residents with special diets, soft or texture-modified meals, fortified meals, sensory-related food preferences, appetite changes and changing nutritional needs.
· Support a calm, predictable and respectful mealtime environment for residents who may experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities or distress around food, noise, smells, texture or routine changes.
· Ensure the kitchen remains organised, safe and compliant with relevant food safety and care home standards.
· Use ingredients efficiently, minimise waste and maintain good stock rotation.
· Report any concerns about equipment, supplies, resident nutrition or kitchen safety promptly to management.
About You
You will be confident working independently and able to manage a busy kitchen in a calm, organised and professional manner. You will understand the importance of routine, choice, dignity, communication and consistency when preparing meals for autistic residents and people living with mental health conditions.
Essential Requirements
· Previous cooking or catering experience, ideally within a care home, healthcare, school, nursery or similar setting.
· Good knowledge of food hygiene, safe food handling and allergen awareness.
· Ability to prepare balanced meals and adapt meals for individual dietary, sensory, cultural and health needs.
· Strong organisational skills and the ability to work without direct supervision.
· Understanding of the importance of nutrition, hydration, dignity, choice, routine and person-centred support in a care setting.
· Awareness of how autism, anxiety and mental health conditions may affect food preferences, appetite, communication, sensory needs and mealtime experiences.
· A caring, respectful and friendly approach when working around residents and colleagues.
· Willingness to complete any required training and follow the home’s policies and procedures.
Desirable
· Food Safety Level 2 or above.
· Experience preparing meals for autistic people, people with mental health conditions, older people or vulnerable adults.
· Knowledge of special diets, fortified meals, diabetic diets, allergens, texture-modified meals and sensory-related food preferences.
· Experience maintaining kitchen records and supporting inspection readiness.
What We Offer
· A valued role in a friendly, supportive care home team.
· The opportunity to make a real difference to residents’ daily wellbeing, routines and quality of life.
· A well-established CQC-registered home rated Good.
· Training and support to help you meet food safety and care home standards.
· Pay, hours and benefits to be confirmed at interview.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced, dependable Cook who enjoys preparing good quality meals and would like to support autistic residents and people with mental health conditions in a caring, respectful home environment, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please apply by sending your CV or contacting us for an application form.
Pay: £13.67-£16.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
