Chef – Specialist Mental Health Care Home
About the Role
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled, and enthusiastic chef to join our specialist mental health care home. This is far more than a traditional catering role- you will play an important part in creating a warm, welcoming environment where food, conversation, and positive relationships contribute to residents' recovery and wellbeing.
Our home features an open-plan kitchen, meaning you will work in close proximity to residents throughout the day. You'll have regular opportunities to engage with people, support positive social interaction, encourage healthy eating, and contribute to a calm and therapeutic atmosphere. Building respectful, professional relationships with residents is a key part of the role.
Working alongside the care and clinical teams, you will prepare nutritious, high-quality meals that meet individual dietary, cultural, and medical needs while promoting dignity, choice, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious, and appealing meals in line with residents' dietary requirements, allergies, and personal preferences.
- Cater for specialist diets, including modified textures, diabetic, vegetarian, vegan, and culturally appropriate meals.
- Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene and comply with all HACCP and food safety regulations.
- Minimise food waste while maintaining quality and choice.
- Ensure the kitchen and equipment are clean, safe, and well maintained.
- Work collaboratively with care teams to enhance residents' dining experiences.
- Participate in food safety audits and inspections and maintain accurate records.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Previous experience as a chef, ideally within a care home, healthcare, education, or hospitality setting.
- A recognised catering or professional cookery qualification (desirable).
- Knowledge of special diets, nutrition, and texture-modified meals.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- A compassionate and resident-focused approach.
- The ability to work independently and remain calm under pressure.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
