JOB PURPOSE
The Cook / Kitchen Lead will be responsible for the planning, preparation and delivery of food within the Recovery Café, ensuring a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees.
The role will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food purchasing, food preparation, food service, and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and health and safety. The postholder will play an important role in supporting and developing volunteers, creating opportunities for learning, confidence building and meaningful participation within a recovery-focused environment.
The successful candidate will be organised, approachable and passionate about using food as a tool for community engagement, wellbeing and recovery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Food Preparation and Service
- Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious, cost-effective meals and refreshments for café attendees.
- Develop menus that meet the needs of service users while working within agreed budgets.
- Purchase food, ingredients and kitchen supplies in line with organisational procedures.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served to a consistently high standard.
- Manage stock levels and maintain accurate records of food ordering and usage.
- Monitor food waste and identify opportunities to maximise value and efficiency.
Kitchen Operations
- Ensure the kitchen is prepared and operational prior to each service.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen environment.
- Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, food safety and environmental health requirements.
- Carry out routine kitchen safety checks and maintain appropriate records.
- Ensure all equipment is used, maintained and stored safely.
Volunteer Support and Development
- Supervise and support volunteers working within the kitchen environment.
- Provide guidance, encouragement and practical training to volunteers.
- Promote a positive, educational and recovery-focused atmosphere.
- Assist volunteers to develop confidence, skills and experience through meaningful participation.
- Contribute to volunteer induction and ongoing support processes.
Partnership and Team Working
- Attend daily team huddles and contribute to service planning and communication.
- Work collaboratively with the Front of House Coordinator and wider café team.
- Support the overall aims and objectives of the Recovery Café.
- Contribute to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Governance and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
- Adhere to food hygiene legislation, health and safety requirements and risk management procedures.
- Report accidents, incidents and concerns in accordance with organisational policies.
- Participate in team meetings and training opportunities.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 minimum).
- Relevant catering, hospitality or food preparation qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Full UK Driving Licence (desirable if purchasing responsibilities are included).
Experience
- Experience preparing and serving food within a commercial, community or hospitality setting.
- Experience maintaining food hygiene and health and safety standards.
- Experience managing stock, ordering supplies and working within budgets.
- Experience supporting, supervising or mentoring volunteers, trainees or staff.
- Experience working within community-based or third sector environments.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of food hygiene regulations and best practice.
- Understanding of health and safety requirements within a kitchen environment.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries.
- Understanding of recovery-focused, trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
- Awareness of the challenges faced by individuals affected by substance use, mental health difficulties or social isolation.
Skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to supervise and motivate volunteers in a supportive manner.
- Ability to maintain a calm and professional approach during busy service periods.
- Competent record-keeping and administration skills.
DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience working within a recovery, wellbeing or community café environment.
- Experience supporting individuals with lived experience of substance use, mental health challenges or social exclusion.
- Experience contributing to service development initiatives.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Compassionate and approachable.
- Organised and reliable.
- Positive and encouraging towards volunteers.
- Calm and resilient under pressure.
- Committed to promoting dignity, respect and inclusion.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Passionate about supporting recovery and community wellbeing.
Pay: £25,180.00 per year
Work Location: In person
