Job Description: Cook
RESPONSIBLE TO: Matron and Directors
Philosophy of Care: To add life to years, not years to life through holistic care and
Respect Choice Dignity Spiritual Awareness Diversity
Main Aims of the Job
• To prepare appetising and nutritious food for the residents on a daily basis
• To prepare a menu in conjunction with the residents likes and dislikes. This must rotate on a four-week basis
• To change the menus on a regular basis as laid out in the minimum standards
• To ensure that the kitchen is always hygienically clean
• To ensure all food orders are requested with ample time while working under an agreed budget
• To meet differencing dietary requirements as necessary Key Responsibilities
• To prepare breakfast as required by the resident at an agreed time
• To offer a range of cooked breakfasts for those that wish to have them
• To ensure all meals are ready at the appropriate time
• To offer and prepare, if necessary, at least three main options for lunch each day ensuring that fresh vegetables are use
• To prepare desserts as necessary for both lunch and supper
• To prepare or part prepare the supper dish for that day or delegate this to the appropriate person • Prepare or delegate the preparation of the sandwiches for supper
• To ensure fresh cake is made for afternoon tea
• To ensure that fresh cake is prepared for a residents’ birthday, or any other occasions as requested • To oversee the smooth running of the kitchen
• To ensure all cleaning is completed as per cleaning rota
• To ensure all food returned to the fridge is covered with cling film and dated
• Ensure all foods are appropriately covered
• To ensure appropriate kitchen protocol is maintained i.e., no eating in the kitchen, carers are not to wash their hands at the kitchen sink, etc
• To ensure all frozen foods are taken out of the freezer giving ample time to defrost
• To attend and participate in staff meetings and attend all mandatory training when required
• To attend supervision and appraisals ensuring that you have prepared for these when required
• To attend any other training when a need has been identified
• To communicate effectively with other staff, relatives and visitors including professional agencies regarding resident to answer the door and telephone appropriately. Respond accordingly and pass on messages promptly Make visitors feel welcome. Provide refreshments/assistance when required • To report any faults/defects in the Home to the appropriate person or the nurse in charge
• To be fully aware of the fire policy and the awareness of food hygiene regulations
• To ensure you are familiar with all current policies and procedures and understand your duty to comply and implement them when necessary
• To always wear uniform with plain black trousers and flat sensible shoes
• Ensure that you do not use a mobile telephone while on duty
• To ensure that all information of a confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties
• To keep all records of cleaning work completed after each shift in the appropriate book
• Understand your duty to whistle blow if you witness bad practice or harm to a resident within the Home
• To always promote and ensure the good reputation of the Home
• To ensure that you work in a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• To assist in the maintenance of a Safe and Healthy Working environment by understanding and ensuring adherence to the Homes’ Health and Safety Policy and Procedures including Fire
• To practice and promote safe working practices within the Home
• To take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions
• To ensure that all COSHH records are maintained and updated when necessary
• To be fully aware and comply with infection control policies and procedures and appropriate hand hygiene technique
• To report immediately to the Nurse in charge, any illness of an infectious nature or accident incurred by a resident, colleague, self or another
• To report to the Matron, Maintenance man or Nurse in charge of any faults, damaged furniture, faulty appliances, equipment or any potential hazard
• To clean up any spillages that you have made, found or been asked to do so by the nurse in charge • The Home has adopted a NO SMOKING policy which applies to all posts within the Home and grounds. This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged, and the range of duties required. However, it is not definitive and may be subject to periodic view. Qualifications, Training and Experience
• Previous experience is required
• To have a genuine interest for older people
• To be willing to participate in National Vocational Training Programmes if necessary
• To have good communication skill to have the ability to work effectively within a team environment