About the Role
Best Lives is looking for a passionate and experienced Chef / Support Worker to join our Food-Based Enterprises team. This unique and rewarding role combines professional catering with meaningful support work, helping adults with learning disabilities and complex needs develop practical skills, confidence, and independence.
You will work primarily in our high-quality cafés — Roccoco, Peckish, and Marina Café — preparing fresh meals and snacks while supporting people to take an active role in the day-to-day running of the business.
If you are a qualified chef who enjoys mentoring others and making a real difference, this could be the perfect opportunity.
About Best Lives
Best Lives provides person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. Our social enterprises create opportunities for people to gain work-based skills, build self-esteem, and participate fully in their communities.
Key Responsibilities Catering Duties
- Prepare and present high-quality meals, snacks, and daily specials using fresh ingredients.
- Work efficiently in a busy café environment while maintaining excellent standards.
- Plan workloads to ensure consistency, quality, and smooth service.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies.
- Maintain food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Ensure effective use of resources and work within agreed budgets.
Support Worker Duties
- Support adults with learning disabilities to participate in catering and café activities.
- Adapt communication styles to suit individual needs.
- Break down tasks into manageable steps to encourage learning and independence.
- Provide personal care where required.
- Record daily progress and complete support documentation.
Team Responsibilities
- Delegate tasks and motivate colleagues and supported individuals.
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training.
- Assist with new initiatives and enterprise development.
What We’re Looking For Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working in a catering or chef role.
- Relevant catering qualification (e.g. City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of food hygiene and health & safety regulations.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, and supported individuals.
- Passion for both catering and supporting people.
- Willingness to complete health and social care training.
Desirable
- Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Bakery or patisserie experience.
- Knowledge of person-centred support.
Personal Qualities
- Patient, positive, and encouraging.
- Creative and adaptable.
- Committed to helping people achieve fulfilling and meaningful lives.
- Flexible and reliable team player.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive induction and training.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Supportive and friendly team environment.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.
- Mileage reimbursement for travel between sites.
Additional Information
This role involves working in environments where there may be challenging behaviour and moving and handling tasks. Full training will be provided.
The successful candidate will complete:
- A 2-week induction
- A 3-month probation period
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced chef who wants to use your skills to empower others and support adults with learning disabilities, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now through Indeed and join Best Lives in helping people build confidence, skills, and independence.
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Pay: £13.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you require sponsorship?
- Do you have a driving license and access to a vehicle?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
