Job Title
Cook
Location
Care Home Kitchen
Hours
24 hours per week, worked over 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
Reports To
Home Manager / Kitchen Manager
Job Purpose
To prepare, cook and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals for up to 36 residents in accordance with individual dietary requirements, food hygiene legislation, and the care home's policies and procedures. The Cook will play an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of residents through the provision of high-quality meals and excellent food service.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch as required.
- Cater for approximately 36 residents, ensuring meals are prepared to a consistently high standard.
- Follow planned menus whilst accommodating residents' dietary, cultural, religious and medical needs.
- Prepare modified texture diets where required in accordance with IDDSI guidelines and care plans.
- Ensure all food is stored, prepared and served safely in line with Food Standards Agency guidance and current food hygiene legislation.
- Monitor food temperatures and maintain accurate records.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Complete all required food safety documentation, including cleaning schedules, temperature records and stock rotation checks.
- Ensure effective stock control by monitoring food supplies, rotating stock and reporting items that require ordering.
- Minimise food waste while maintaining adequate food supplies.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and report any faults immediately.
- Work within agreed budgets while maintaining food quality and nutritional standards.
- Liaise with care staff regarding residents' dietary needs, allergies, preferences and nutritional requirements.
- Assist with special events, themed meals and celebrations within the home.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, COSHH regulations and infection prevention and control procedures.
- Attend mandatory training and staff meetings as required.
- Promote dignity, choice and respect for all residents at all times.
General Duties
- Work as part of the wider care home team.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding residents, visitors and colleagues.
- Wear the required uniform and personal protective equipment.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Home Manager.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Previous experience working as a Cook, Chef or Kitchen Assistant.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety legislation.
- Understanding of special dietary requirements and allergens.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Good communication skills.
- Reliable, flexible and able to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota.
- Commitment to providing high-quality meals and excellent customer service.
Desirable
- Previous experience working within a care home, healthcare or catering environment.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of IDDSI texture-modified diets.
- Basic knowledge of nutrition for older people.
- Experience of stock control and ordering.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent cooking skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good teamwork skills.
- Friendly and caring approach.
- Good standards of cleanliness and organisation.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
Health & Safety
The post holder is responsible for complying with all Health & Safety policies, Food Hygiene Regulations, COSHH requirements, Infection Prevention and Control procedures, and Fire Safety regulations. Safe working practices must be followed at all times.
DBS Requirement
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Probationary Period
Successful applicants will be subject to a probationary period in accordance with the care home's employment policies.
Review
This job description is intended as a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the service following consultation with the post holder.
Pay: Up to £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
